Tropical Shipping Selects SeaSecure to Perform Maritime Security Ship and Port Vulnerability Assessments and Security Plans

The President of Tropical Shipping, Rick Murrell, announced that it has selected SeaSecure LLC, a global leader in maritime security and counter-terrorism consulting, to perform vessel vulnerability assessments and security plans for their fleet of ships and port facilities to meet ISPS Code and MTSA requirements.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL December 4 2003--The President of Tropical Shipping, Rick Murrell, announced that it has selected SeaSecure LLC, a global leader in maritime security and counter-terrorism consulting, to perform vessel vulnerability assessments and security plans for their fleet of ships and port facilities.

Tropical Shipping is a maritime leader in the Caribbean Basin and SeaSecure is very proud to have been selected to provide these essential maritime security services, said Kim Petersen, SeaSecures President. We look forward to working with Tropical Shippings ship and facility personnel as we complete the assessment and plans process mandated by the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and the US Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002.

Mr. Murrell said in a statement, "We selected SeaSecure after careful and thorough evaluation of their capabilities. Their competence level is high and they have the results orientation to get things done "on time". Tropical's relationship with SeaSecure will enhance the security of Tropical's systems and facilities for the benefit of Tropical's customers and to ensure compliance with government requirements."

Seaport vulnerability assessments and security plans are now required due to the passage of the International Port Facility and Security Code. The ISPS Code was adopted by the UNs International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address maritime security at all international ports and the security of ships engaged in international commerce. The ISPS Code has set strict standards for port and ship operators that must be achieved by 1 July 2004.

About Tropical Shipping:
Tropical Shipping is the largest containerized cargo carrier of US exports to the Caribbean Basin countries. Tropical operates as a liner carrier operates 16 vessels of which 10 are owned. Tropical is trading in Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Freeport, Grenada, Marsh Harbor, Nassau, Nevis, St. Barths, St. Croix, St. Eustatius, St. John, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Vincent, Tortola, Trinidad & Tobago, the Guyanas, the Turks & Caicos Islands and Virgin Gorda. Serving thousands of customers throughout this region, Tropical has a broad range of worldwide clients whose diverse shipping needs include cargo throughout the global marketplace. For more information on Tropical Shipping: www.tropical.com.

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. His civilian career has included senior staff positions with former US Secretaries of State Kissinger and Haig. He also served at the US Senate, and US Defense Department and is a former Captain in the Armys Special Forces. He has directed security for such companies as Princess Cruises and Renaissance Cruises. He attended Harvard Business School and Virginia Commonwealth University. Kim has frequently given expert testimony before Congress on maritime security and his writings have been published in several journals and books. 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