Unique Technologies Improve Port Security
Practical results from the SUPPORT (Security UPgrade for PORTS) project, coordinated by BMT Group Ltd. and part-funded by the European Commission’s FP7 Security Research Program will be demonstrated to key stakeholders at Stena Line’s ferry terminals starting at Masthuggskajen in the Port of Gothenburg on May 7-8, 2014.
Comprising a collaboration of 21 European organizations, SUPPORT integrates legacy port systems with new surveillance and information management systems. It efficiently supports the complexity of a real port environment through a more integrated, holistic approach. This ensures an improved level of security, while reducing the administrative burden on the port.
Guests attending the event will be given the opportunity to be part of a live demonstration which will include the automatic detection and tracking of a number of divers, swimmers and small crafts. Based on a system of subsea and surface sensors including hydrophones, Infra-Red cameras, video cameras and radars, the Sea Side Intrusion Detection System (SSID), has been developed by FOI, the Swedish Defense Research Agency.
Sören Jägerhök, Research Director at FOI commented, “The SSID will provide tools for the detection of intruders who attempt to enter a ship’s berth on the surface or under water. The aim of the demonstration is to show what an affordable peace time system for commercial organizations would look like, as opposed to a military sensor system that is developed with war time repressive actions as options in mind.”
On land video content analysis solutions, developed by consortium partner, INRIA, a French public research body dedicated to digital science and technology will also be demonstrated. Through the use of decision support algorithms, these solutions which integrate with the SSID, as well as information fusion tools will prompt Port Security Operators of any suspicious patterns in surveillance and administrative data, providing a more consistent and timely detection of any anomalies that may be a security threat.
The demonstration will also include a showcase of the Port Security Management System (PSMS), an interactive, real time dynamic web-based dashboard that will help maritime and logistics professionals assess and improve overall port security. The first tool of its kind, PSMS incorporates an up-to-date, self-assessment guide to enable maritime security practitioners to successfully upgrade their corporate security. The dashboard has been tested in various European Cities including Brussels, Dublin Gothenburg, Lisbon and Rotterdam, with more than 25 security, port security and IT experts from seven countries providing feedback and counsel.