Global marine terminal operator DP World said its Saigon Premier Container Terminal (SPCT) based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has successfully earned the ISO 28000:2007 security management system certification.

SPCT is the first terminal in Vietnam to be certified ISO28000 compliant. It was given the world’s top security clearance after a rigorous, independent audit conducted by Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS).

This achievement has come barely a week after DP World Callao in Peru qualified for ISO 28000 certification.

The move is part of DP World's commitment to implement independently audited international supply chain security standards across its entire portfolio of  terminals, said the Dubai group in a statement.

With 37 of its facilities worldwide now operating under the certified security management system, DP World has become the supply chain industry’s leading investor in comprehensive marine terminal security, said a top official.

"Investing in security is investing in peace of mind for our stakeholders. DP World already meets all the necessary national and international security requirements at its marine terminals across the globe," remarked Mohammed Sharaf, chief executive officer, DP World.

"The ISO 28000 certification further complements and enhances our existing security regime. We congratulate the team at SPCT-Vietnam on a job well done, and look forward to achieving security management system certification at all our terminals," he stated.

The SGS security management audit at SPCT-Vietnam covered critical supply chain activities such as container handling, personnel training, access controls, transporting of goods, IT and port user movements.

SPCT, which officially began operations in October 2009, is a state-of-the-art facility located along the western shore of the Soai Rap River on the 40 hectares Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park, and 16km from Ho Chi Minh City centre.

SPCT is an 80:20 joint venture between DP World and the Vietnamese Tan Thuan Industrial Promotion Company (IPC).

DP World, said Sharaf, is also the only global marine terminal operator to have achieved ISO 28000 certification and simultaneous membership of C-TPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism), a programme run by the US Customs Border Protection Agency.-TradeArabia News Service