USVs: A Strategic Necessity for West Coast Port Security Under the MTSA

The Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) was passed in November 2002, following the September 11th terrorist attacks, to bolster the security of U.S. ports, vessels, and waterways. The MTSA established a comprehensive framework for preventing, detecting, and responding to maritime threats, and applies to all commercial U.S. port facilities, vessels operating in U.S. waters, and offshore facilities, including energy terminals and critical logistics hubs.

Since its passage, the U.S. maritime domain has seen exponential growth, not just in global trade volume, but also in recreational waterway use, cruise tourism, and major international events hosted in coastal cities. At the same time, threats to maritime security have grown more dynamic, including terrorism, smuggling, cyber-physical attacks, surveillance by foreign actors, and environmental sabotage. These growing demands necessitate innovative, cost-effective technologies to extend the capabilities of security forces and federal agencies responsible for safeguarding maritime infrastructure.

The West Coast of the United States is home to some of the most strategically vital and busiest ports in the nation, including:

• Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach: the largest container gateway in North America.
• Port of San Diego: dual-use port critical to both commercial and Navy operations.
• Port of Oakland: a key North Pacific trade hub and agricultural export point.
• Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach: the largest container gateway in North America.
• Port of Seattle/Tacoma (Northwest Seaport Alliance): crucial for Alaskan supply lines and transpacific commerce.

These ports represent complex ecosystems, consisting of container terminals, refineries, naval bases, cruise terminals, railheads, and shipyards. They are vulnerable to a wide spectrum of threats, including:

• Terrorism (e.g., VBIEDs or attacks on port infrastructure)
• Unauthorized access and perimeter breaches
• Smuggling and human trafficking
• Foreign surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations
• Underwater sabotage or diver incursions

Protecting these vital systems places increasing operational and financial strain on port security officials, law enforcement agencies, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) are remotely operated or fully autonomous vessels equipped with a range of technologies including:

• High-resolution EO/IR cameras
• RADAR and LIDAR for surface detection
• Sonar systems for underwater threat detection
• Acoustic sensors, loud hailers, and non-lethal deterrents
• Secure communication links (satellite, 4G/5G, mesh networks)

USVs offer persistent, low-cost surveillance and can conduct patrol, detection, and interdiction missions without putting personnel at risk. They are an immediate force multiplier for any security apparatus and can be utilized to support a wide range of security and infrastructure requirements. Several major port authorities and Coast Guards have begun utilizing USV’s to enhance their port management.

Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

• Singapore’s MPA has deployed USVs to monitor maritime traffic, enforce security zones, and conduct nighttime surveillance in high-traffic anchorages and shipping lanes.
• Their Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) program includes collision avoidance, autonomous navigation, and integration into Vessel Traffic Services (VTS).

Port of Barcelona

• Deployed the SB 100 PRO USV, a solar-powered autonomous vessel for multi-beam bathymetric surveys, water quality analysis, and port basin monitoring.
• Serves both environmental and security surveillance needs.

Port of Tianjin, China

• Uses USVs for hazardous material detection, patrol of restricted areas, and response to intrusions near critical energy infrastructure.

United States: DHS and Port Pilots

• In the U.S., the Department of Homeland Security has funded research and pilot programs involving USVs to secure ferry terminals, monitor underwater threats, and patrol maritime exclusion zones.
• The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have deployed MARTAC and SAFE Boats USVs for test operations at installations including Port Hueneme and San Diego.

The current security infrastructure at West Coast ports includes:

• Static surveillance systems (CCTV, fence line sensors)
• Manned patrol boats and helicopters
• Physical security checkpoints
• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) platforms like AIS, radar networks, and maritime control centers

However, these assets are resource-intensive and cannot guarantee 24/7 presence across large port areas, harbors, and open-water approaches.

As maritime traffic and global tensions continue to rise, the U.S. must adapt by integrating autonomous and uncrewed systems into its layered defense architecture. USVs offer West Coast ports:

• Scalable coverage of hard-to-reach areas
• Reduced burden on manned patrol teams
• Improved response time for maritime emergencies
• Flexible mission profiles, from security to environmental compliance

Federal agencies like DHS, MARAD, and the USCG, in partnership with local port authorities and commercial tech developers, should continue to pilot, refine, and expand USV operations to harden port defenses without expanding manpower requirements.

In an era where maritime security demands smarter solutions, USVs are not just a tactical advantage, they’re a strategic necessity.