Integrated CCTV system for port and ferry terminal security

Running such a diverse operation across a large area presents huge operational and security challenges, particularly when managing highly remote ports and harbours that are subject to variable weather and sea conditions. CMAL has turned to the latest CCTV technology to meet these challenges head on, creating an unprecedented network of High Definition Internet Protocol (HD IP) cameras that are improving CMAL’s visibility across its entire operation. With up-to-the-minute, live information fed back from all of the company’s ports and harbours, the new system is claimed to be helping improve security, operational efficiency as well as enhancing navigational safety across the CMAL enterprise.

Scottish Communications Group (SCG), which describes itself as Scotland’s leading expert in Internet Protocol Close Circuit Television (IP CCTV), Video Analytics, Access Control, Communications and Wireless Networking, has been commissioned to install the new system and is currently half way through phase one of the project. The company is currently deploying new smart IP HD CCTV solutions to 25 Clyde and west coast harbours, ports, slipways and other facilities owned by CMAL. Ongoing, SCG will be responsible for the full maintenance and support on the solution which was chosen after a rigorous procurement and proof of concept process to demonstrate the quality and robustness of the technology. SCG won the open tender in October 2015 for a figure of £1.85 million, said to be one of the largest CCTV contracts awarded in Scotland.

David McHardie, Harbour Master at CMAL said: “After careful consideration CMAL selected Scottish Communications Group as our CCTV partner of choice to work with us on installing and upgrading CCTV capabilities across our 25 Scottish ports. We were incredibly impressed by their professionalism and expertise during the tender stage, and they have continued to demonstrate excellence, flexibility and resilience as we have begun to install the new systems in some exceptionally challenging locations and environmental conditions.”

The new system harnesses the latest generation Bosch IP cameras, including five Mega Pixel (MP) cameras, thermal imaging and MIC series fully functional cameras. Inbuilt technology, such as Advanced Video Analytics, will be used to provide a safe, secure and health and safety conscious flexible solution for CMAL, which is the statutory harbour authority for 16 of the harbour locations and whose jurisdiction extends to the remaining nine port facilities. 25 individual systems will be installed by SCG that can be remotely accessed and controlled from CMAL’s headquarters in Port Glasgow though a myriad of different connection types, ranging from high speed broadband to very limited and restricted bandwidth lines. This will provide CMAL with a live, high definition view of all of its port and harbour operations, controlled and maintained from one place.

The new CCTV system can also be viewed and controlled remotely over the internet via a smart phone, laptop or other device by a restricted number of authorised users within CMAL and CALMAC, meaning the entire operation can be managed from any location in real time, using existing infrastructure and technology. By improving access to its CCTV network via smart devices, the new system will vastly improve the responsiveness of CMAL to security or health and safety incidents. The system will also enable CMAL to remotely monitor navigational aids and lights that previously required regular onsite checks by engineers. This is likely to save time as well as significantly reduce the cost of maintenance.

The new system will also help CMAL to respond to threats and emergencies more efficiently, from incidents and medical crises or harbour crime. For example, the new CCTV system will be capable of generating automated alarms and notifications in accordance with pre-set criteria and in doing so, will provide the means for CMAL to respond to incidents quickly, particularly when out of hours. This level of automation will also help CMAL to manage unstaffed locations more effectively. Harbour activities can also be recorded for later analysis, ensuring the safety and security of operations and enabling CMAL, port authorities or the Police to review incidents and collect evidence.

The ability to monitor port and harbour activities and provide a safer working environment for staff, particularly at unstaffed locations, is of paramount importance to CMAL. Remote monitoring of lone workers will ensure CMAL staff and others that work on their own within harbour areas, particularly where there is poor mobile telephone coverage, are kept safe. The ability to view live incidents remotely will also allow harbour operators to act quickly and affect an appropriate response to the circumstances.

In addition to enhancing the security and protection of property and harbour facilities, the new CCTV system will help CMAL meet the EU’s strict vessel specific security requirements. Current legislation demands an increasingly high level of security provision, not only for ships used in international shipping and the port facilities serving them, but also for ships operating domestic services within the community and their port facilities, in particular passenger ships and ferries. Having access to an integrated network of cameras will give CMAL an unprecedented view of their entire enterprise, vastly improving the security and safety of ships and vessels using their port and harbour services.

The new CCTV IP system will also bring a direct benefit to CALMAC’s ferry operations. Most notably, the new system will provide RoRo Ferry Masters with live images of local sea and weather conditions at destination ports. Having access to these CCTV images will help inform their decision making process, enabling Ferry Masters to optimise lifeline ferry service provision across all routes that use CMAL harbours.

Liam Mowatt, Scottish Communications Group’s Technical Director said: “We’ve really been able to leverage the newest HD technology for this project to get the maximum benefit out of the equipment. With this technology, one camera can do the work of many older cameras, which has both a cost benefit and makes maintaining the system a lot more efficient. We’ve been able to build a robust wireless network that links together the system, giving CMAL a really powerful view of all of their harbours.”

By Jake Frith