Port Technology International – The key resource for the ports and terminals industry

Shoreline survey yields an explosive find at UK port Mar 11, 2010

A survey vessel reported to Portland Coastguard what appeared to be a Second World War one ton parachute mine lying on the seabed in the middle of Portland Harbour, UK, on Tuesday. Read more...

NYK Group acquires stake in Tata Steel Logistics Co. Mar 09, 2010 NYK Holding (Europe) B.V. has acquired a 26% stake in TM International Logistics Limited (TMIL). Read more...

Keppel unit signs MOU with Norwegian marine research body Mar 08, 2010 Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre (KOMtech) and the Norwegian Marine Technology Research Institute (Marintek) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of technologies and training opportunities, on Saturday. Read more...

Chile's San Antonio port open and up to 80% capacity Mar 04, 2010 The port of San Antonio, Chile, is open and running to 80 percent capacity, while Valparaiso port is operating normally. Read more...

Terror threat to Malacca Strait: Security raised Mar 04, 2010

Security has been raised today in the Malacca Strait following terrorist threats to oil tankers in the area. Read more...

Samsung launch compact 12x optical zoom internal speed dome Mar 02, 2010

The latest addition to the Samsung professional security camera range is a competitively priced 12x fully functional optical zoom internal speed dome offering full 360 degree continuous rotation. Read more...

Descartes unveils new Global Logistics Management Suite for Ocean Freight Mar 02, 2010 Descartes Systems Group, a federated global logistics network, has unveiled its latest Global Logistics Management Suite for Ocean Freight, a suite of logistics applications. Read more...

L.A. Port Police to use new mobile video and data-sharing technology for surveillance Feb 26, 2010 The Los Angeles Port Police have contracted Reality Mobile and the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to implement a new real-time mobile collaboration platform. Read more...

New robot on the market can improve port security Feb 25, 2010 Remotec Inc. have supplied a new remotely-operated robot to the LAPD, designed for explosive ordnance disposal, hazardous material response and port security. Read more...

New version of SICIS combines container monitoring and AIS vessel-tracking Feb 23, 2010

The new, extended version of the basic SICIS is now able to provide a unique function - linking container monitoring data with vessel tracking information provided by satellites using the vessels’ AIS signals. Read more...

Californian ports receive stimulus funding for new marine highway Feb 18, 2010

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the $30 million to a partnership of three Californian ports, to fund an inland marine highway service. Read more...

Stevens and TNO to collaborate on maritime security and underwater engineering Feb 18, 2010 The Stevens Institute of Technology and TNO Defence Security and Safety have agreed to work together in a long-term research project in underwater sciences and engineering, and port and maritime security. Read more...

CIBER selected for integrated port security project at Georgia Port Authority Feb 17, 2010 CIBER Federal announced today that it has been selected by the Georgia Port Authority (GPA) to provide security systems and services for Georgia port. Read more...

University of Portsmouth team design new tool in maritime policing Feb 17, 2010 A team from the University of Portsmouth has won a 242,000 Euro grant to work on SeaBILLA, a collaborative sea border surveillance project, which will help increase the internal security of the EU and revolutionise law enforcement along European sea borders. Read more...

$10 million seizure of cocaine at Port of Halifax Feb 15, 2010

Border agents seized $10 million worth of cocaine inside a container at the Port of Halifax, Canada, on Monday. Read more...

Saudi Arabia purchases advanced cargo scanners Feb 15, 2010

Thirteen new advanced X-ray cargo screening systems are to be deployed across Saudi Arabia, to inspect inbound and outbound containers and trucks. Read more...

Intertek accredited as a bulk and break bulk cargo surveyor by the Government of the Philippines Feb 10, 2010 Intertek is now an accredited surveyor for all non-containerised cargo destined for the Philippines, which must, under new government legislation, be inspected at the port of origin. Read more...

Quantitech to preview new gas analyser at Counter Terror Expo 2010 Feb 09, 2010 Quantitech is to demonstrate a highly advanced portable gas analyser at Counter Terror Expo 2010 . Read more...

Egypt steps up security on Gaza sea border Feb 08, 2010

Egypt is stepping up security on its maritime frontier with Gaza in a bid to prevent smuggling by sea, as work continues on an underground barrier along the land border. Read more...

INTERTANKO gets involved with the anti-piracy debate in the Phillippines Feb 08, 2010 A new regulator, with help from INTERTANKO, is aiding the Philippines in developing an anti-piracy course for its seafarers. Read more...

Milestone Systems and Honeywell Security Group to collaborate on new IP surveillance products Feb 04, 2010 Milestone Systems and Honeywell are to team up in a new project to provide comprehensive coverage in IP surveillance. Read more...

U.S. Coast Guard warns new budget could compromise security Feb 03, 2010

President Barack Obama's proposed $3.8 trillion budget would cut funding to the Coast Guard and weaken the nation's port security, according to a U.S. Coast Guard representative. Read more...

Plans for new U.S. LNG terminals stalled Feb 03, 2010

A boom in domestic U.S. natural-gas supplies is stalling ambitious plans for a raft of LNG import terminals along the country's coastlines. Read more...

Intertanko's Terminal Vetting Database broadens its access Feb 03, 2010 Access to Intetanko's Terminal Vetting Database (TVD) is now available to those who are not members or associate members of its Association. Read more...

Fingerprint ID for port workers in Australia Feb 01, 2010

Australia's port workers could undergo mandatory fingerprinting under recommendations from law enforcement agencies to the federal government. Read more...

Maritime security company SeaAway to find new headquarters Jan 27, 2010 SeaAway is considering building its world headquarters on Merritt Island, Florida, which will create 100 new jobs in fighting terrorism on the high seas. Read more...

New CCTV solution for UK's largest North Sea port Jan 26, 2010 The UK's largest port serving the North Sea oil and gas industry has upgraded its CCTV recording capability with a new IndigoVision system. Read more...

New gas analyser enhances container testing and port security Jan 22, 2010 Instrumentation specialist Quantitech has announced its new portable FTIR gas analyser has dramatically improved the testing of cargo containers at ports and airports. Read more...

Bosch introduces new universal camera setup software for its MIC Series cameras Jan 19, 2010 The release of new, universal camera setup software has been announced by Bosch Security Systems, for use with its MIC Series of high-speed pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras. Read more...

US Government to pull plug on outdated LORAN navigation system for mariners Jan 18, 2010 The plug is being pulled on the LORAN-C radio navigational system that for decades was the preferred choice of mariners in waters off the US, the AP reports. Read more...

Baltimore County police to use federal funds for port security Jan 18, 2010 The port of Baltimore will receive $860,795 in federal money from the Baltimore County Police Department, to purchase tactical response watercraft and dive-and-search equipment to enhance security, according to the Baltimore Sun. Read more...

Nigeria: Aondoakaa, Muktar, Akhigbe Differ On Maritime Security Bill Jan 15, 2010 Nigeria’s proposed Maritime Security Bill will establish a Maritime Security Agency responsible for gathering and sharing intelligence among security and maritime agencies. Read more...

Geutebruck provides model IP video security solution for Port Yanbu, Saudi Arabia Jan 14, 2010

The King Fahd Industrial Port at Yanbu on the Red Sea coast is the Saudi sea gateway for Europe and the fastest developing industrial area in Saudi Arabia. Its CCTV monitoring system, which has to provide high security for valuable cargos and infrastructure, has recently been upgraded with Geutebruck servers, management system, video analysis and GUI. Read more...

Agility on the move for Starco Jan 13, 2010 STARCO Group, Europe's leading supplier of tyres, tubes, wheel rims, complete wheels and stub axles, has appointed Agility, global leader in the provision of complete logistics solutions, to carry out its procurement logistics. One key factor leading to the decision was Agility's tracking solution allowing STARCO to further enhance the visibility of its supply chain and shorten its workflows. Read more...

Eye-Lite Continuous Zoom Cooled Thermal Imager Jan 11, 2010 The new EYE-LITE™ is an advanced, continuous zoom thermal imager camera based on the EYE-Z™ cooled IR engine providing flexible configurations for short or long-range applications. Read more...

New thermal imaging camera launched by FLIR Systems Jan 07, 2010 FLIR systems have added a new thermal imaging camera to its SR-Series thermal imaging cameras line for mid-range security and surveillance applications. Read more...

GF Group acquisition of Fruport results in logistics expansion Jan 07, 2010

Italian fresh produce company GF Group will strengthen logistics operations and develop a wider presence in the north-west Mediterranean through acquisition of Spanish terminal operator Fruport. Read more...

Samsung Techwin launch additional iPOLiS domes to current range Jan 06, 2010 Samsung Techwin, a leading supplier of industrial products and services, has launched two new high performance network domes aiming to improve existing technology and usability in remote monitoring. Read more...

L.A. Harbor Commission approves $25.7 million economic relief program to aid port customers Jan 04, 2010 A six Percent temporary rent reduction and an empty container discount are among measures approved to assist business partners during economic downturn. Read more...

Belk boosts business for Charleston Port Dec 17, 2009 Just in time for the peak holiday shopping season, one of the Southeast’s top retailers is bringing a boost to business at the Port of Charleston. Read more...

Featured articles

Protecting products while also protecting the environment Feb 24, 2010

Recent disasters around the world demonstrate nature’s immense and sometimes brutal power. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes, etc. have resulted in huge losses. Among those are damages to production and distribution infrastructures, including our amazing network of ports and their warehousing facilities. Read more...

How do electronic seals fit into the future supply chain? Is the future now? Feb 15, 2010

Over the past seven years a number of U.S. Business Schools undertook a variety of studies to answer questions relating to making investments in supply chain security and the use of technology to either minimise risk or to increase logistics efficiency. The main question being asked: “Is there a financial return for those companies that invest in a higher level of logistics security through the use of technology?” Read more...

The economics of cargo screening Feb 12, 2010

A country may undertake intensive screening of cargo for many reasons. The type of screening, and techniques used, often depend on the perceived benefit. This paper discusses some of the benefits and estimates the costs of screening cargo with X-rays, and recommends processes that can yield the highest benefit to cost ratio. Read more...

A force to be reckoned with: strengthening borders through technology investment Feb 01, 2010

On 1 April 2009 the UK Border Agency became a full executive agency of the Home Office. This follows a successful year as a shadow agency in which we brought together the work of the former Border and Immigration Agency, customs detection work at the border from HM Revenue & Customs and UK visas, to establish a single and strong border force. Read more...

Intelligent security planning for ports Jan 26, 2010

The threat from major terrorist attacks is very real for port operators and those responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the world’s port facilities. Major terrorist attacks such as 9/11 have spurred huge investment in port security in recent years and have led to international support for enhancements to the security of transportation and supply chain networks. Read more...

Future-proofing technology: a smart strategy for trimming costs Dec 16, 2009

Security aims to stay a step ahead of threats, making it an evolving strategy in an ever-changing landscape. Port security is no exception. In the past decade, global efforts to secure ports have taken a giant leap forward with new identification validation systems that put technology at the heart of the solution. Read more...

TWIC compliance is a piece of cake Nov 19, 2009

It’s one thing to refer to a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) compliance implementation as a ‘piece of cake.’ It’s another to say an organisation is getting exactly the tools needed to efficiently and accurately oversee entry to secured areas. Just like no one combination of cake and icing will satisfy every sweet tooth, a one-size-fits-all approach to TWIC compliance doesn’t address the variety of credential types required at different access points. Read more...

Fire protection to ports and terminals Nov 06, 2009

Fire can become one of the most destructive and unforgiving forces known to man, destroying everything in its path. With this in mind we try to add some perspective on the prevention, detection and extinguishing of fires within ports and terminals as well as vessels. Read more...

Marine transportation, port operations, and security levels during transport: where do we stand? Nov 05, 2009

Nearly seven years have passed since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. They have been years of recovering from the devastation, years of restructuring both local and national security processes, and years of establishing additional levels of protection for our nation and our citizens. Read more...

If your name’s not down, you’re not coming in! Nov 04, 2009

Since the series of devastating terrorist events that impacted all of us, we knew that things had to change. As we are all too aware, these threats are now ever present, and with the ever evolving intelligence of the criminal world, it has become apparent that the worldwide transport system that we all rely upon so heavily, has become an obvious target. Read more...

Can do attitude for latest ROV control system Nov 02, 2009

In recent years, manufacturers of sensors for Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) have developed increasingly sophisticated systems in ever smaller, lighter packages. This has allowed ROV manufacturers to offer evermore high-tech solutions for port security applications including structural and vessel hull inspection, diver support, surveillance operations, mine countermeasures, and intervention/recovery etc. Read more...

Using technology to enhance border management Oct 29, 2009

Today, it is recognised that clearance processes by customs and other agencies are among the most important and problematic links in the global supply chain. High costs and administrative difficulties associated with outdated and excessively bureaucratic border clearance processes are now cited as more important barriers to trade than tariffs. Read more...

A force to be reckoned with: strengthening borders through technology investment Oct 22, 2009

Security systems technology and the ‘One Trick Pony’ mentality Oct 14, 2009

The imposition and use of increasingly complex security technologies within the commercial port environment is often seen as an expensive additional cost to the core business. Or the common consensus is that security systems are a requirement which have limited functionality and correspondingly have not a great deal to offer in the way of business growth and by implication neither do the people that implement and operate them. Read more...

Heading towards transparency: creating supply chain visibility to improve container transport Sep 06, 2009

Nowadays, container transport is facing several challenges. To mention only a few, these include the strong growth in container transport volume, bottlenecks in hinterland connections, complex logistics chains consisting of many actors, information gaps, as well as new security regulations. These exercises have to be managed both by industry and administration. The main factors in today’s international intermodal container transport, logistics and security, are aiming at different objectives and sometimes lead to contradictory strategies. Read more...

Surveillance technology in the maritime environment Sep 02, 2009

Eyes are needed everywhere, and in an age where security threats have become more prevalent, surveillance systems can offer a reduced strain on manning at a time when regulatory compliance and general security can place an increased burden on personnel. Read more...

Changing customs: the new face of documentation, inspection, and scanning Aug 27, 2009

A state-of-the-art container terminal demands state-of-the-art customs handling. Bert Wiersema, member of the management team for the Rotterdam Customs, explains how his organisation ensures that its operations at the Euromax Terminal are as efficient as possible. “Every step eliminated represents a saving.” Read more...

Security is more than badge-swiping: Guard System provides all-in-one security solution Aug 21, 2009

Historically, computer hardware and software solutions have helped drive productivity in ports, airports, and rail yards. But productivity alone is not enough. Now Port Managers face issues of security, controlled access, and identity verification. With more than three decades of success in engineering computer solutions, DAP Technologies has risen to the challenge to make access control easier and data more reliable. Read more...

High-throughput container screening in the global supply chain Aug 12, 2009

To protect nations against weapons of mass destruction, governments have been active in implementing programmes to increase containerhandling security. Efforts such as the Container Security Initiative, the Secure Freight Initiative, and the SAFE Ports Act represent the leading edge of legislation aimed at eventually screening 100 per cent of high-risk containers loaded in foreign ports for nuclear materials and other potential weapons. Read more...

Assessing and confronting the challenges of port security May 28, 2009

One of the main by-products of the horrific attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001 was the dramatic refocusing of attention on global transportation networks that the world’s economies remain so dependent on. The use of aircraft as guided missiles made the unthinkable a reality. Read more...

Port security technology – are we rebuilding the Maginot Line? May 20, 2009

Recently, Sentinel Maritime conducted a live-exercise in a major European container terminal. The terminal was equipped with state of the art barrier fencing and CCTV coverage. The guards were well trained and highly alert. A sophisticated biometric access control card system was in use. Read more...

Chinese ports starting to use wide-area surveillance solutions Mar 18, 2009

Throughout 2007 and 2008, intelligent video systems have seen substantial growth. There have been adoptions of intelligent video systems in many critical infrastructure industries including ports, airports, power plants, large infrastructure projects etc. This has also made huge impact in the large infrastructure security markets. An integrated and intelligent security platform can provide safety and security, reduce cost on security spending such as personal and hardware, help users manage their sites more efficiently and improve operational efficiencies at their sites. Read more...

Airport reinforces its security system with biometric readers and contactless smart cards Mar 04, 2009

As a tour ist and commercial gateway to the country, the International Airport of Mexico City (AICM) plays a vital role in the development of Mexico’s economy, ensuring the prosperity and global accessibility of this burgeoning nation. The AICM is Latin America’s busiest airport, and one of the world’s 30 most active airports in terms of passengers, operations and cargo. Read more...

Intelligent security planning for ports Feb 27, 2009

Throughput performance factors in X-ray cargo screening systems Feb 23, 2009

As X-ray cargo screening becomes more prominent at ports and border crossings, its impact on container traffic is frequently discussed. This is essentially a question of system throughput, which varies by the type of X-ray system chosen and how it’s operated within a port facility. X-ray cargo screening has been adopted at ports and border crossings throughout the world because this technology has solved a number of important problems. Read more...

Beyond ROI: How benchmarking and KPI tracking can better reveal the true value of technology investments Feb 09, 2009

Labour costs, in both developed and developing countries, seem continually on the rise. Traditionally, when evaluating the impact of process automation technology investments, like those involving OCR, RFID, and GPS automation solutions, considerable emphasis is placed on the ROI derived solely from labour force reductions. Read more...

Responsibility for the implementation of the container security initiative Jan 23, 2009

For the past seven years the United States Gover nment, through many of its internal agencies, has asked the world to help secure our borders by securing their internal supply chain from terrorists. Although the process and desire is noble, the specific marching orders have failed to materialise, leaving the world in a quandary as to how to achieve a non-defined goal. Read more...

Tactical and strategic intelligence: improving on the foundations set about by post 9/11 maritime security programmes Dec 02, 2008

Since the terrorist attacks of 2001 and 2002, the world has achieved a heightened sense of security awareness. The maritime industry is no longer considered a safe, non-political, global transportation system that moves goods by sea harmlessly from one place to another, but rather, a liability that exposes all nations, maritime and non-maritime alike, to criminal threats and attacks. Read more...

High gain radar performance for improved port security Nov 13, 2008

Detection of small targets in good weather is not always challenging, however, in heavy rainfall and rough seas the situation changes dramatically. In these conditions radar detection of small targets require very high gain antennas with narrow beamwidths and small clutter cells to reduce rainfall and sea clutter return. Parabolic reflector radar antennas include the ability of polarisation switching in X band for improved performance in heavy rainfall and, in combination with frequency diversity transceivers, provide high radar detection capability. Read more...

Access Control: the Achilles Heel of global port security Nov 11, 2008

With the many security challenges facing international ports today, one needs a firm, consistent system to deal with the thousands of employees, vendors and visitors who pass through every day. At the forefront of such security concerns, and also one of the most demanding issues, must undoubtedly be access control, as large areas and facilities requiring public and restricted access need to be both policed and well secured. Read more...

Command & Control solutions for port security Nov 04, 2008

The ISPS code as well as the more advanced national and international initiatives and programmes (e.g. CSI, C-TPAT,WCO/AEO etc.) are requiring changes in maritime security concepts. The more static approach of ISPS security measures (port areas, vessels etc.) need to be enhanced through dynamic solutions, connecting the infrastructure of many stakeholders in the supply chain. The fusion of security sensors, images and data is a major challenge for modern maritime security management: it requires a technical and collaborative interoperability. Read more...

Maritime and port security center focuses on cutting-edge R&D Sep 04, 2008

As a maritime nation, it is critical that the US develops and deploys the most advanced port security technologies available. With that goal in mind, a major new project is under way at SRI International’s National Center for Maritime and Port Security in St. Petersburg, Florida. Read more...

Container Security Initiative: just the facts Aug 27, 2008

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, US Customs Service, now US Customs and Border Protection, began developing antiterrorism programmes to help secure the United States. Within months of these attacks, US Customs Service created the Container Security Initiative (CSI). The primary purpose of CSI is to protect the global trading system and the trade lanes between CSI ports and the US Under the CSI programme, a team of officers is deployed to work with host nation counterparts to target all containers that pose a potential threat. Announced in January 2002, CSI was first implemented in the ports shipping the greatest volume of containers to the United States. Read more...

Implementing X-ray cargo screening Aug 14, 2008

X-ray inspection systems for cargo containers have now become a standard feature in many ports. This rapid adoption has been accelerated by the needs of port security, but made practical by the systems’ unique ability to non-destructively penetrate entire containers and generate images of the contents in just a few seconds. Even at this large scale, the resulting images are comparable to those obtained through traditional baggage scanning at airports and capable of identifying objects smaller than a baseball. Read more...