Miami Mega-Yacht Marina Selects SeaSecure for Port Security Plans and Assistance

The developer of one of the worlds largest mega-yacht marinas announced that it has selected SeaSecure LLC, a global leader in maritime security and counter-terrorism consulting, to provide port security planning and engineering to their Island Gardens project.

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL (PRWEB) February 2, 2004 -- The developer of one of the worlds largest mega-yacht marinas announced that it has selected SeaSecure LLC, a global leader in maritime security and counter-terrorism consulting, to provide port security planning and engineering to their Island Gardens project.

Flagstone Property Group was awarded the rights to develop a mega-yacht marina on Miamis Watson Island by the City of Miami. Mehmet Bayraktar, Chairman and CEO of Flagstone, has said that the project will be completed by the end of 2006. In addition to the super yachts, Island Gardens will also include two high-rise hotel towers including fractional residences, a maritime gallery, restaurants, retail shops, and cultural facilities. Once completed, the Island Gardens project will employ more than 1,500 employees.

In Miami, Joseph Herndon, Project Director with Flagstone stated that, Flagstone selected SeaSecure due to their outstanding reputation and the level of experience and expertise found in their consulting and engineering departments. This is a unique project with many features that are not found in any other mega-yacht marinas, and we are confident that SeaSecure is the right partner for us."

Island Gardens is a world-class project that will set new standards for luxury, services, and security for visiting mega-yachts from around the world," said Kim Petersen, SeaSecures President. SeaSecure is proud to have been selected by Flagstone to design and engineer the unique security programs and systems that will be a crucial part of the Island Gardens experience, as well as providing the required security assessments and plans mandated by Federal Law."

Port security standards are now mandated due to the passage of the International Port Facility and Security Code. The ISPS Code was adopted by the UNs International Maritime Organization (IMO), and later the US Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, to address maritime security at all international ports and the security of ships engaged in international commerce. The ISPS Code and the MTSA have set strict standards for port and ship operators that must be achieved by 1 July 2004.

About Island Gardens:
Island Gardens is a $425 million waterfront project being developed by Flagstone Property Group, LLC. The Flagstone was selected by the City of Miami to develop the site on Watson Island, following a competitive proposal process that commenced in February of 2001 with the issuance of a request for proposals. Following the selection of Flagstones proposal by the City of Miami, the proposal was approved by the citizens of the City of Miami through a public referendum in November 2001. The mixed-use development combines two hotels, retail, dining, entertainment, cultural facilities, civic art and a fish market, all facing a 48-slip mega-yacht marina in Biscayne Bay. Members of the Flagstone development team include Eric R. Kuhne & Associates, concept architects, Spillis Candela DMJM, architects and engineers, EDSA Landscape Architects & Planners, Eric R. Kuhne & Associates, concept architects, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, Ltd., SeaSecure LLC, and cultural partners Fairchild Tropical Garden and The Historical Museum of South Florida.

A 100 foot set back along the waters edge will be maintained as a public promenade to ensure that the dramatic views of downtown Miami, the Port of Miami, and Biscayne Bay are preserved. Throughout the property, landscaping, performance venues, and art installations will add intrigue and excitement for visitors. An added attraction of the project will be the mega yachts themselves. Upon its completion, Island Gardens will become a unique destination, unsurpassed in all of South Florida.

About SeaSecure:
SeaSecure is widely recognized as the nations leading expert in maritime security, and its staff have performed security and vulnerability assessments in over 90 countries and 165 seaports. In 2001, SeaSecure was selected to be the lead security consultant to all of Florida's deep-water ports and, in 2002, to perform seaport and facility vulnerability and threat assessments at over a dozen strategic seaports in the United States. SeaSecure's international clients include some of the world's largest seaports, shipping companies, and cruise lines. SeaSecure provides recognized maritime security training to governments and industry, including the US and Chinese governments.

About Kim Petersen:
In addition to being the President of SeaSecure, Mr. Petersen is also the Executive Director of the Maritime Security Council, which represents over 70% of the worlds shipping. Petersen has over 25-years of experience in security and anti-terrorism activities. His civilian career has included senior staff positions with former US Secretaries of State Kissinger and Haig. He lectures extensively and has been featured on such programs as CBSs Sixty Minutes," ABCs 20/20," the Evening News with Peter Jennings, and National Public Radio. He is a Visiting Professor at the UNs World Maritime University and a Senior Associate Instructor at the US Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. In 2003, the Secretary of Transportation appointed Kim to the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council.

Contact:
Ron Thomason: 954-567-4700
www.seasecure.com

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