Home » Features » Onboard Systems » Security & alarm systems » Major port security upgrade at Invergordon

Major port security upgrade at Invergordon

11 Dec 2009

The new CCTV and Access Control System further strengthens Cromarty Firth Port Authority's compliance with the ISPS Code.

Following a successful launch into the marine market at Seawork 2009, CDA Solutions Ltd has been successful in winning a major contract in Scotlandin the form of a large integrated CCTV and Access Control System for Cromarty Firth Port Authority’ s impressive facility at Invergordon.

CDA’s agent for the marine industry, Quantum Marine Marketing Ltd, identified the tender and negotiated on behalf of CDA apart from the final few details. After a very rapid turnaround, the contract was awarded at the end of September and the system installed and commissioned by the middle of this month. Invergordon, on the Cromarty Firth North of Inverness, is the UK’s largest inspection, repair and maintenance facility for semisubmersible oil rigs and other large offshore structures. The service base and associated industries also provide subsea engineering capability, general cargo handling, assembly areas, fabrication sheds and facilities for cruise ship visits and imports of wind farm components. As part of an ongoing program of investment, CFPA spent over £500,000 in 2009 on improved security and traffic management and the CDA equipment will further strengthen their compliance with the IMO’s International Port and Ship Security (ISPS) Code.

The contract is for eight new CCTV cameras, to be controlled from the new security office, plus three vehicle barriers with an Automatic Numberplate Recognition System, two pedestrian turnstiles and intercoms, several wireless links, remote viewing capability via the internet and barrier access keyfobs for staff. The contract also expanded to incorporate the integration of an existing network of cameras into the system and included them in the six year warranty CDA was required to put on the system. At least one camera will be kept as a spare at CFPA ready to ‘hot-swap’ in the event of a problem with another camera.

CDA's PC-based system architecture means that installation and ongoing maintenance costs for the customer are kept to a minimum. The server software and data storage will be maintained remotely, reducing engineer visits, and CDA’s warranty terms of same day response, next day fix gave CFPA the peace of mind they were looking for. Their expertise in systems integration gives great flexibility when it comes to integrating legacy systems, which is often the case with port security systems.

Captain Ken Gray, port manager of CFPA said, ‘We were very impressed by CDA’s innovative solutions to some complex requirements. They fully understood the brief immediately and put forward a solution that exceeded our expectations and in fact we expanded the contract to include replacement of existing cameras once we saw the quality of the new ones. We are looking forward to working with CDA throughout this project.’

Major port security upgrade at Invergordon

Images for this article - click to enlarge

Business News - Sign Up Today!