Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has invested R843-million in a new port security system to safeguard customer cargo, port users and Transnet’s own port assets, staff and contractors.

“The National Ports Act 12 of 2005 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code of 2004 dictate that we, as a port authority, implement measures to assist in detecting security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents that may affect ships or port facilities used in international trade,” says TNPA CEO Richard Vallihu.

The upgraded security system is being rolled out across TNPA’s eight South African commercial ports and at its head office in Johannesburg.

“Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is but one aspect of our broader integrated technological security system, which encompasses technology, skills, systems and procedures,” notes TNPA head of the port security portfolio Phumzi Sigasa.

The CCTV system will be integrated between all port sites and TNPA’s head office to give a bird’s eye view of the port security environment. It comprises 2 100 high-definition cameras across the various sites – more than double the previous 864 – as well as long-range cameras to monitor all port channel entrances and outer anchorages.

The newly renovated control room, located at the Port of Durban, is the first to go live this month. It includes video walls for added visibility across the port. Vehicle security within the port perimeters will also be enhanced through licence plate recognition.

The system will also facilitate increased night visibility through thermal imaging that could detect heat emitted by objects or bodies, especially in low-visibility areas and through smoke, fog and haze.

The high-tech security system will further entrench the position of South African ports as “smart ports”.

Other notable “smart” port systems include the Web-based Integrated Port Management System, which was rolled out across all eight ports last year, enabling key port operations to be managed online and in real time.

TNPA is also considering ways to make the ports more peoplecentric and accessible to the public, while still maintaining safety and security.