A security system is linking four of Scotland’s main ports.
The system covers the main port locations operated on the Scottish east coast by Forth Ports PLC – Grangemouth, Leith, Rosyth and Dundee. They are linked through a networked access control system with digital video. The system can be controlled at one central point or locally in each port facility and allows anyone accessing to see what is going on in any of the other ports in virtually real time.
This will help protect the thousands of staff working in the secure port estates owned by Forth Ports PLC, while guarding assets and buildings ranging from general office accommodation, sheds and warehouses to the ships berthed in port.
What they say
David McInnes, IT Services Manager for Forth Ports, says: "Port facilities in Britain, along with most other countries in the world, must now ensure they comply with new security legislation – the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code, which became law in July 2004 – designed to combat the threat of terrorism. Ports which fail to comply with the code, introduced by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organisation and implemented into both UK and EU law, face the prospect of losing business from shipping operators as they will no longer be able to accept international shipping. It was essential to comply with the code not only to ensure we maintained our market position, but also to protect our staff, tenants, assets and our clients’ goods from the threat of terrorism. The system is, we believe, the first of its type to be installed at a UK port as its runs across a wireless network and can be operated both locally and centrally, ensuring excellent flexibility and protection."
The installer was Pointer. "The ISPS code is something that was pushed by the United States following the September 11 attacks," said John Anderson, Special Projects Manager at Pointer. "The code aims to ensure ports and ships are as protected as they can be against terrorist infiltration and attack. There is a fear that, historically, many ports have been open to terrorists who could then mount an attack on the port, or a ship sailing to another port.
"In the UK, the Department for Transport required all ports to submit a security plan. All ports were to have had their plans approved by July 1. Many ports are still working on their physical infrastructure. Those ports who don’t comply risk losing trade and money. There are three different, increasingly robust security levels which ports, and ships, will be required to demonstrate they can operate at and switch between quickly."
Pointer reports that it has experience of dealing with the special security arrangements of several UK ports, including Stranraer, Cairnryan, Liverpool, Mostyn Docks, and Holyhead port, as well as the Forth Ports Group.
"Pointer’s design engineers successfully worked with Forth Ports to install a fully digital solution that gave them the latest wireless technology to transfer both access control and video data across each of the sites." added Anderson.
"Pointer was able to provide everything Forth Ports required need to meet its security needs, including access control, staff identification and CCTV."
The implementation of the IMO requirements will form part of a National Maritime Security Programme which will bring together the UK’s existing maritime security regime in line with the various international and European initiatives.
