/ By Gateway Team / perimeter security • port security/ 0 Comments

The Importance of Perimeter Security at Ports

Perimeter security at portsThe 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

/ By Gateway Team / access control equipment • anti-terrorism bollards • automatic rising kerbs • barriers • bi-folding gates • crash tested road blockers • harbour security • maritime security • port security • sliding gates • swing gates/ 0 Comments

Maritime Security: the role of Access control at ports and harbours

maritime securityPorts and harbours are busy, complex environments with large numbers of people and goods moving in and out of them every day. Traditionally the nature of ports and harbours have made them a target for criminal gangs and smugglers, however the maritime industry now also faces the very real threat of terrorism due to the vital input that harbours and ports have in the UK’s economy. Here we will look at how access control equipment can play a critical role in defending vessels, cargo and protecting the supply chain in maritime environments.

First, it’s important to understand that, as with almost every type of premises, there is no ‘magic bullet’ solution to deal with the threat of crime. Any approach to security at ports and harbours should revolve around a holistic strategy. This means a combination of both physical security options like access control equipment, lighting and CCTV as well as operational security through manned guarding and checkpoints, as well as a company culture that puts security and identification at the forefront of operations.

What role can access control equipment play?
In a nutshell, access control equipment serves to control the access of vehicles and of persons into a port or harbour. This in turn can help to reduce the threat of smuggling, disruption to trade, theft and potential terrorist attacks. Every port is of course different, and measures need to be identified appropriately through a risk assessment, but there are several options available which will likely have a positive impact in the protection of a port or harbour.

One of the toughest security solutions that we provide is the GA80000 Automatic Rising Kerb. A formidable first line of defence against unwanted vehicle access, it is a strong visible deterrent with yellow and black warning stripes and tall stature to stop cars, vans and lorries.

We also offer anti-terrorism bollards and impressive crash-tested road blockers to deal with potential terrorist attacks aimed at disrupting UK infrastructure.

Barriers are an important way of controlling access to only authorised and scheduled visitors. We provide fully automatic barriers which can be controlled by push-buttons, tokens, proximity cards, pins, CCTV or by on-site security guards.

Swing gates,  sliding gates and bi-folding gates are among the strongest barriers to unauthorised entry and a strong physical deterrent.

Gateway Automation can help the maritime industry to protect their assets from crime with minimum disruption and while maintaining safe and comfortable working environments for staff and customers. For a free non-obligation quotation and feasibility survey please contact Gateway Automation on 01522 682255. Alternatively, download our brochure