Friday, February 19, 2016

Transnet port authority in S. Africa deploys new port security system





Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has announced that they have introduced a state of the art port security system aimed at boosting security at South Africa’s ports.

In a statement, TNPA said the systems would help safeguard customer cargo, port users, as well as Transnet’s own port assets, staff and contractors.

Richard Vallihu, chief executive at TNPA, said: "The National Ports Act 12 of 2005 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code of 2004 dictate that we as a port authority implement measures to assist in detecting security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents that may affect ships or port facilities used in international trade."

The newly-renovated control room, which is located

at the Port of Durban, went live on February 12.

The CCTV system is integrated between all port sites, as well as the head office, in order to give a bird’s eye view of the port security environment. It comprises 2,100 high definition cameras across various sites, which is more than double the previous 864, as well as long range cameras to monitor all port channel entrances and outer anchorage's.

Vallihu said that vehicle security within the port perimeters would also be enhanced through license plate recognition systems, while increased night visibility would be enhanced through thermal imaging which would detect heat emitted by objects or bodies, especially in low visibility areas and through smoke, fog and haze.


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