DOE/NNSA MEGAPORTS INITIATIVE DEMARCHE REQUEST

UNCLAS STATE 083327 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC BEXP EMIN ENRG PARM PBTS TZ SUBJECT: DOE/NNSA MEGAPORTS INITIATIVE DEMARCHE REQUEST ¶1. This is an action request. Please see para 4. ¶2. Summary: The United States Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) is interested in cooperating with Tanzania on the Megaports Initiative at the Port of Dar Es Salaam. Provided the Government of Tanzania (GOT) is interested in the initiative, DOE/NNSA proposes to visit Tanzania to conduct bilateral discussions with the GOT on participation in the Megaports Initiative, to begin negotiations of a non-legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Megaports cooperation, and to tour the Port of Dar Es Salaam, in order to determine the scope and level of effort of potential Megaports implementation. Participation in the Megaports Initiative would enhance the GOT,s ability to deter, detect, and interdict illicit trafficking of special nuclear and other radioactive materials in the global maritime system. End Summary. ¶3. Background: Under the Megaports Initiative, DOE/NNSA provides passive radiation detection equipment, communications systems, training, and technical support to international partners with the objective of enhancing their capability to deter, detect, and interdict illicit trafficking of special nuclear and other radioactive materials through the global maritime system. Radiation detection equipment installed under this program would indicate the presence of special nuclear and other radioactive materials in containerized cargo, alerting port and government officials of the need to examine the container and take appropriate action. These efforts reduce the probability that materials could be used in a weapon of mass destruction or a radiological dispersal device against the United States and/or its international partners. The goal of the Megaports Initiative is to scan as much container traffic at the port as possible (including imports, exports, and transshipped cargo) regardless of destination and with minimal impact on port operations. Around the world, the Megaports Initiative is currently operational in 23 ports and work is underway at over 20 additional ports in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. By 2015, the Megaports Initiative hopes to be operational at 100 ports, scanning approximately 70% of the global container traffic. Pending confirmation of GOT interest, DOE/NNSA proposes to visit Tanzania in October or November 2009 to conduct bilateral discussions with GOT on participation in the Megaports Initiative, to begin negotiations of a non-legally binding MOU for Megaports cooperation, and to tour the Port of Dar Es Salaam, in order to determine the scope and level of effort of potential Megaports implementation. While in Tanzania, DOE/NNSA would like to meet with all relevant governmental entities that could conceivably have a role to play in the implementation of the Megaports Initiative. In most cases, these entities would include ministries that would be responsible for issues pertaining to port security and port operations. This would likely include transportation, customs, foreign affairs, and port authority. In addition, DOE/NNSA would like to convene meetings with the agency or agencies that have responsibility for nuclear and radiological issues. DOE/NNSA would also like to conduct a port familiarization at the Port of Dar Es Salaam. In this regard, DOE/NNSA would like the opportunity to tour the port and meet with the container terminal operators. DOE/NNSA would propose to visit Tanzania in October or November 2009, and will submit a separate country clearance cable once dates have been coordinated with Post. ¶4. Action: Post is requested to approach relevant GOT officials to introduce the Megaports Initiative and determine GOT level of interest in participating in the Megaports Initiative. Provided the GOT is interested, Post is requested to propose convenient dates for a DOE team visit. Embassy may draw upon the following points in discussions with GOT: --The United States is working with responsible countries to enhance their ability to deter, detect, and interdict illicit trafficking of special nuclear and other radioactive materials in the global maritime system. -- One mechanism we use to accomplish these goals is the Megaports Initiative, implemented by the Department of Energy, which provides radiation detection equipment, training, and technical support to international partners to scan shipping containers for the presence of radiation. -- The Megaports Initiative,s mission is accomplished by scanning all import, export, and transshipment containers for radiation at strategic ports around the world; the Port of Dar Es Salaam has been identified as a port of interest for cooperation on the Megaports Initiative. --By adding radiation detection capabilities at the Port of Dar Es Salaam, GOT would be able to passively scan containerized cargo for nuclear and other radioactive materials. This capability can be added with no or minimal impact on normal port operations, while adding to the reputation of the Port of Dar Es Salaam as a premier, safe, and secure port in East Africa. -- Under the Megaports Initiative, DOE/NNSA would, at no cost to GOT, purchase the equipment utilized under the program and pay for the installation of the equipment and the requisite training to operate the equipment. Training is focused on enabling the GOT to build an indigenous training program and to maintain and sustain the infrastructure provided under the Megaports Initiative for the long-term. --Participation in Megaports would also provide trade benefits to Tanzania. Under U.S. law, by 2012, all U.S.-bound containers must be scanned for radiation prior to their acceptance at U.S. ports. Participation in Megaports would help Tanzania to meet this legislation by the 2012 deadline and enhance the reputation of the Port of Dar Es Salaam as a reliable and secure source of shipped goods. --DOE/NNSA will also put a maintenance contract in place and will provide spare parts for a specific period of time to be discussed with GOT. In most cases DOE/NNSA would provide maintenance for approximately 3 years after the equipment is installed and tested. -- DOE/NNSA proposes to meet with GOT officials to discuss implementation of the Megaports Initiative at the Port of Dar Es Salaam. --Additionally, DOE/NNSA would like to have an opportunity to visit the Port of Dar Es Salaam to assess the scope and level of effort that would be involved if both governments agree to move ahead with Megaports implementation in Tanzania. --DOE/NNSA proposes a visit in October or November 2009. ¶5. In order to move forward on implementation of the Megaports Initiative at the Port of Dar Es Salaam, should both governments decide to cooperate, a GOT-designated agency must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DOE/NNSA. While the Megaports Initiative can be implemented through either a legally binding or non-legally binding document that would express our desire to work in partnership, the proposed text is intended to be non-binding. One component of the MOU is a data-sharing provision. DOE/NNSA would like the GOT to notify it through Embassy Dar Es Salaam if it seizes nuclear or other radioactive material moving illicitly through the Port of Dar Es Salaam. The format and substance of such notifications would be discussed with the GOT after the MOU has been signed and implementation has begun. A draft MOU will be transmitted to the Embassy prior to the visit, and DOE/NNSA proposes to table the MOU during the initial discussions with GOT. ¶6. DOE/NNSA is prepared to brief the Embassy in detail on implementation of the Megaports Initiative in Tanzania, prior to meeting with GOT officials. The briefing will include a discussion of the status of implementation in other countries. If the final text of the MOU varies substantively from the text presented, DOE will consult with the Department before signing. ¶7. Please contact Stephanie Clarke by phone (202-586-2595) or by email (stephanie.clarke@nnsa.doe.gov) for additional information and any questions. ¶8. Please slug response to Justine Treadwell, Desk Officer, Department of State Winston Wonsang, DOE HQ, Phone: 202-586-0792; Fax: 202-586-5187, Email: winston,wonsang@nnsa.doe.gov; Vicki McCoy, NNSA, Phone: 301-903-2370; Fax: 301-903-4211; E-mail: Vicki.McCoy@nnsa.doe.gov; Darlene Roberts, NNSA, Phone: 202-586-8868; Fax: 202-586-4414; E-mail: Darlene.Roberts@nnsa.doe.gov; Betty Shorter, NNSA, Phone: 202-586-9807; Fax: 202-586-4414; E-mail: Betty.Shorter@nnsa.doe.gov. Thanks. CLINTON