Strengthening Resilience: The Port of Cleveland hosts Supply Chain Disruption Exercise
The Port of Cleveland recently had the privilege of collaborating with federal, state, and local government agencies, along with key private sector stakeholders, to participate in the Supply Chain Disruption Exercise. This important initiative aims to enhance our region’s resilience and preparedness for potential disruptions in the supply chain.
In today’s interconnected world, the smooth flow of goods is vital to our economy. Any disruption can have immediate and long-lasting effects on the movement of critical and essential supplies. Recognizing this reality, the exercise focused on developing strategies to ensure that, in the event of a supply chain interruption, we can recover swiftly and effectively.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, all committed to fortifying the Great Lakes maritime transportation system (MTS). Together, we examined existing policies, procedures, and regulations that govern the resumption of trade following a disruption. By identifying gaps and challenges, we can work collaboratively to enhance our response capabilities.
Strengths:
• The exercise identified organizations are effective and efficient in managing the initial response and mitigating the process; communication channels are open and effective.
• Action plans are readily available and USCG identified that their plans can be shared with likeminded partners to strengthen the relationship with maritime partners.
• Communications, to include call-trees, are actively maintained and updated for continuity purposes during an incident; within the Cleveland maritime area the communications pathways are open and actively used.
A significant aspect of the exercise was exploring strategies to mitigate future disruptions. By sharing insights and best practices, participants aimed to create a more robust framework that not only addresses current vulnerabilities but also anticipates future challenges.
Areas for improvement:
- It was identified that there is a need for the organizations represented at the meeting to begin to evaluate the coordination efforts beyond the immediate response to incidents.
- The exercise identified a need to consider more tabletops and/or seminars to discuss supply chain disruption pertaining to long-term impacts.
- The exercise identified that public information, and coordination needs improvement to consider stronger joint efforts and resource identification.
- Document changes to identify all types of hazards consideration for a THIRA style approach to considerations.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants and organizers for their time, effort, and dedication. Their commitment to ensuring that our region is well-prepared to navigate through any potential disruptions is commendable. By working together, we can build a stronger, more resilient supply chain that benefits everyone in our community.
Participants: Transport Canada Federal CBP, CISA, CMTS, Dept of State, Dept of Homeland Security, DHS SCRC, DOT (BTS, FHWA, FRA, GLS, MARAD, OST, OST-P), EPA, FEMA, International Trade Administration, NOAA, TSA, USACE, USCG State Northeast Ohio Regional Fusion Center, Ohio Dept of Natural Resources, Ohio DOT, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, Ohio Homeland Security, Ohio National Guard Local Cleveland Fire Dept, Cleveland Metroparks Police, Cleveland Police, Cuyahoga OEM Private Cleveland Cliffs, International Longshoremen’s Association, Jacobs Entertainment, Lake Carriers’ Association, Nautica Entertainment, Norfolk Southern, Port of Cleveland
As we move forward, the insights gained from this exercise will play a crucial role in shaping our strategies for the future, helping to ensure that the Port of Cleveland and the surrounding region remain a vital hub for trade and commerce. Together, we can strengthen our supply chain and safeguard our economy against unforeseen challenges.
For more information, download the brochure.
