Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge Nov. 5 advocated tighter security in European harbors to help prevent terrorists from smuggling weapons of mass destruction into the United States, AP reports.

Ridge wants a cargo list review 24 hours before U.S.-bound ships are loaded. Some shipping companies allow U.S. customs officials to examine cargo lists, but Ridge wants permission to check all vessels destined for U.S. ports.

This "would dramatically increase our security," he said. Speaking in Rotterdam, the world's busiest port, Ridge said he discussed the idea with European Union officials.

The plan is part of Ridge's Container Security Initiative, which will send U.S. customs officials abroad to help foreign harbor authorities search ships for suspicious cargo.

In a trial project in Rotterdam, five U.S. customs officers have been working alongside their Dutch counterparts for several months. The United States has negotiated similar agreements at 13 major ports around the world.

The EU has expressed concern the proposed U.S. measures would give cargo ships leaving Rotterdam and other major ports an unfair advantage over smaller ports if they get faster clearance on arrival in the United States. But Ridge said the United States wants to expand the program to include smaller ports.