To this end, this report focuses on the threat of a terrorist nuclear attack using oil tanker ships. Crude oil from the Middle East went to 30 U.S. ports in 2003. Detecting an Atomic Bomb in a Tanker

Some means of detecting atomic bombs in a tanker would fail, especially for a bomb inside an oil tank. To what extent has the Administration considered this threat in planning for port and maritime security? When will they be in place? Create a Tanker Security Initiative (TSI) analogous to the Container Security Initiative for improving containerized cargo security. Costs could be covered by general revenues. Legislative Activities

On January 24, 2005, S. 12 , Targeting Terrorists More Effectively Act of 2005, was introduced and was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
While much attention has been focused on threats to maritime security posed by cargo container ships, terrorists could also attempt to use oil tankers to stage an attack. If they were able to place an atomic bomb in a tanker and detonate it in a U.S. port, they would cause massive destruction and might halt crude oil shipments worldwide for some time. Detecting a bomb in a tanker would be difficult. Congress may consider various options to address this threat. S. 12 , Targeting Terrorists More Effectively Act of 2005, included a Tanker Security Initiative (sec. 325). This report will be updated as needed.