Cutting-edge security at an historic port

The Background

The Port of Cork is one of Ireland's largest and most economically important ports.  Over 3,000 ships and 10 million tonnes of cargo pass though the Port of Cork each year, making it one of the busiest ports in Ireland.  The value of goods received and dispatched from the port is in excess of €35 billion annually.  With 99 per cent of trade by volume moving through the country's ports each year, the efficient and effective operation of facilities is essential.

The Port of Cork is now in its third century of operation.  Over the years the port has changed dramatically to respond to the evolving needs of the shipping industry.  Meeting the security demands of the modern era is just one of the ways the port has had to transform itself.  The security solution provided by ADT has put the port in the strongest position possible to adapt to new changes and demands as the millennium progresses.

Ports are vital to Ireland's economy so maintaining their security is essential.  ADT has a strong heritage in providing solutions to security issues of all kinds and it is this experience that placed it in a unique position to develop a system that fully meets the needs of the Port of Cork.

The ISPS background

In today's climate, security in all spheres of life is a significant issue of concern.  This is especially true for the maritime industry, for which short comings in its readiness and preparedness to prevent, counter and respond to the heightened security environment have been brought into sharp focus by a number of initiatives such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security code (ISPS).  Introduced in July 2004, the code has forced the industry to scrutinise its operations more closely than ever before.

In essence, the ISPS code provides an internationally recognised framework to determine the detection and deterrence of security threats, as well as establishing roles and responsibilities of the key stakeholders.  The code makes it clear that ensuring the security of ships and port facilities is a risk management activity that must be considered objectively on a case-by-case basis.

The Port of Cork has addressed the challenges of these new guidelines against which it operates with the implementation of a fully integrated security system from ADT.

The needs

Primarily the Port of Cork needed a system that met the (ISPS) security code requirements.  However, the port also sought a system that went beyond the basic requirements and was flexible enough to respond to a changing environment rapidly - capable of upgrading the level of security through the three main levels outlined in the ISPS.  In addition, the Port of Cork presented ADT with a number of unique issues that needed to be addressed effectively:

• As a large port with facilities spread out over roughly 15 square kilometres, there was a clear need to provide a form of control and monitoring remotely - ideally from a central control point - that still enabled maximum coverage across the facility
• The time scale was tight and pressured. The Port of Cork needed a solution managed effectively and efficiently, but implemented quickly
• A minimum of disruption to operations was important for the port
• The Port of Cork needed to be up to date with the ISPS code today but able to adapt to the changes of tomorrow

The challenge

The first and most significant challenge was one of geography.  Covering roughly 15 square kilometres and with four main and distinct areas, the port's facilities are stretched out over a considerable distance, which makes the site more difficult to monitor.  It was essential that the system offered centralised remote control without limiting its capabilities.

Secondly, a crucial requirement for the Port of Cork was for the work to be completed over a specified time scale and ideally in the shortest time possible in order to, amongst other things, minimise the disruption to operations that the implementation would cause.

Finally, it was imperative that the solution ADT provided was flexible going forward.  The system needed to be both state of the art and adaptable as the port evolved and security issues changed.

The solution

A key factor in contributing to the success of the project has been the ability of ADT to manage all elements of the security solution.  All engineering and electrical work was carried out by ADT - ensuring that the project was controlled at every stage and not put in difficulty by third parties and sub-contractors.  It was important to us that dedicated on-site support was available throughout the course of the project and that our contractor was able to utilise its local expertise.  When implementing an advanced system, such as the one The Port of Cork now has, expertise and know-how. to provide dedicated project managers on-site to ensure that things ran smoothly.  Furthermore, by using equipment manufactured by ADT's parent company, Tyco Fire & Security, a high degree of knowledge and strong supplier relations were built in to the project implementation.

Two key features helped meet the challenges of implementing a security solution at the Port of Cork:

• Firstly, ADT installed a state of the art Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system - consisting of 24 static and controllable cameras connected by fibre optic cables, as well as microwave signalling, with the capacity to transmit data over a distance of approximately 3 kilometres.  The CCTV system also included:
• Recording equipment which enables viewing at the control offices
• Vehicle Number Plate Recognition (VNPR), which automatically records every vehicle embarking, and disembarking the ‘roll-on roll-off' ferries.  Entry to the deep-water terminal, for commercial ferries, also has a full traffic management system with control barriers and VNPR cameras.  This system can also be used to provide automatic entry to certain vehicles whose registration plates have been granted the access level required.
• Secondly, ADT has installed an advanced Access Control system throughout the facility.  The system allows access to be managed and automated from a central point using devices at doors as well as barriers, gates and turnstiles.

The above elements of the security system have been pivotal in meeting the geographical challenges of the site.  By installing a cutting edge CCTV and access control system the port operators can control and monitor movements remotely.  This is of great importance to the Port of Cork, with its headquarters in the city centre.

Central to modern technology solutions today is their networked capability.  The solutions provided at the Port of Cork are no different and ADT has drawn on its experience and knowledge to ensure the maximum degree of network links in the system.  All CCTV and access control equipment is linked throughout the Port of Cork facility using standard hard wired cabling but also fibre optics and microwave transmission - a feature that enables information to be transmitted over several kilometres, and is of great benefit in a large scale site such as the Port of Cork.

Staying one step ahead

Incorporating a high degree of flexibility in the system, to take account of the rapid pace of change and evolution in security needs, has been an important element of this project.  ADT has built a system that has the capacity to grow and adapt to changing circumstances and requirements.  Furthermore, ADT is providing maintenance and development support over the next five years.  The ‘on the ground' strength and network of experts will provide support and assistance to ensure that the system continues to be effective.

As security pressures evolve, ADT and the Port of Cork are in a strong position to adapt quickly and effectively - working in partnership to ensure the economic role of this vital facility is well protected.