OT-2301
January 9, 2023
Opening Remarks by AIT Acting Director Jeremy Cornforth
at Megaports New Equipment Commissioning Ceremony
(As Delivered)
U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) Office Director Vogt (Vote), Customs Administration Director-General Peng and Department of Investigations Director Fan, Kaohsiung Customs Director Chen, Atomic Energy Council Radiation Monitor Center Deputy Director Tsai, Kaohsiung Customs Non-Intrusive Inspection Division Chief Wu, Taiwan International Ports Corporation, Port of Kaohsiung President Wang, Honored Guests,
It is my pleasure to represent AIT to celebrate the commissioning of two new Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) at the Port of Kaohsiung. Today’s event highlights the close cooperation between Taiwan and the United States on port security and countering nuclear and radiological smuggling. This is another example of how the United States and Taiwan work together as partners on shared challenges we both face.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s NSDD Office and Taiwan’s Customs Administration have been at the forefront of advancing this cooperation. Since 2006, the U.S. Department of Energy has spent close to $60 million for the provision and installation of 40 RPMs and other related equipment at the Port of Kaohsiung.
Kaohsiung Customs operators have utilized this equipment to scan millions of shipping containers bound for Taiwan, the United States, and other destinations for nuclear and radiological material. As a result, this partnership has not only strengthened security at our respective ports, but also contributed to safer supply chains in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The continual expansion of this important port security program over the years would not have been possible without the commitment of the Taiwan Customs Administration – particularly the team here in Kaohsiung – to operate and maintain this advanced detection equipment with the highest level of professionalism and effectiveness possible. Your dedication has made the Port of Kaohsiung a role model within the NSDD program.
AIT is proud to support this security cooperation and will continue to work with our partners in Taiwan to contribute to a safer, more prosperous, and more open Indo-Pacific. Thank you to everyone here today who has worked so hard to make this program a success.