The UK’s port industry is internationally significant. The second-largest in Europe, it handles over 500 million tonnes of freight each year and employs around over 100,000 people. Moving food, energy, raw materials and goods, the UK’s 120 ports are – without a doubt – vital to the infrastructure and economy of Great Britain in the 21st Century. However, despite the critical importance of our commercial ports, they are traditionally have been a high-prize target for criminal enterprises. We discuss the importance of perimeter security at ports.
The fundamental importance of ports has made them a target for Terrorist activities from organisations seeking to cause maximum disruption to the nation by affecting vital supplies, and danger is also present for sea bearing vessels in the form of modern-day piracy.
The need for strong perimeter defences
The first place that port operators should look at when it comes to creating a robust and comprehensive security system and seeing off these threats is perimeter security. By installing strong perimeter defences, they can effectively seal off their ports from unauthorised visitors and deter criminal activity in their tracks.
Risk assessments
While commercial ports across the world share many things in common, they are all unique in their cultures, and operations, and thus require a bespoke approach to security. This is why any security reviews must begin with a 360-degree risk assessment to understand the potential strengths and weaknesses of a site and underline any key changes that need to be made to protect the maritime supply chain. In a nutshell, what may work for one port, may not be suitable for another.
Key perimeter security methods
Recommendations from a risk assessment may include a combination of solutions, such as heavy-duty gates, bollards, barriers and rising kerbs. It might also include high-tech options like access control.
Reduce pedestrian access
Pedestrian access can be limited through tools such as keypads, biometrics and fobs, while vehicle traffic can be controlled through automatic barriers, bollards and rising kerbs that ensure traffic can only go in the specified directions.
In the case of vessels, access control equipment can be effective in restricting access to key areas, blocking off important assets, and keeping accurate records of who is visiting specific places.
Gateway Automation provides a range of perimeter security systems to help businesses and individuals to secure their site. They also provide nationwide servicing and repairs to gates, barriers, and other perimeter security equipment. To find out more, please contact us on 01522 68255 or take a look at our brochure here: http://www.gatewayautomation.co.uk/brochure
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