VZCZCXYZ0005
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #3327 2231653
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 111635Z AUG 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHDR/AMEMBASSY DAR ES SALAAM 0000
INFO RUEHNR/AMEMBASSY NAIROBI 0000

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