Revolutionising Ports Security & Access Management

David Rock, Market Development Manager at Abloy UK, discusses the issue of securing ports, and how new digital technologies can revolutionise access control.

Ports are at the heart of global trade and transport, and it is vital that people, cargo and business flows safely without interruption. However, ports are an incredibly difficult environment in which to secure access, and at risk from a range of potential threats such as theft, people trafficking, drug smuggling and terrorism.

Ports are ideal environments for criminals – their size, numerous entry and exit points, and the volume of people flowing through them makes it easy for illegal activity to occur undetected. Cargo theft is one of the most common crimes, with unattended containers providing an ideal target for both opportunistic and organised criminals.

The UK is identified as one of the top countries for cargo theft, and global supply chains continue to face significant security, continuity, and resiliency threats due to the COVID-19 pandemic, increased congestion, and longer idle times.

It’s highly likely that each port in the UK already makes use of padlocks to protect against cargo theft. But these are often mainly mechanical, which can be old and rusted due to infrequent use. Padlocks with good weather resistance and IP68 characteristics are a more cost effective and resilient solution.

Access and key management

To further add to the complexity, ports employ both their own staff and a significant number of contractors, but only trained and competent persons should operate machinery or have access to higher risk areas.

A vast number of mechanical keys are required for accessing estates and property, warehouses, perimeter gates, passenger terminals, engineering control rooms, high voltage areas, cranes, and other locations across the port environment.

With all these factors to consider, maintaining a secure environment and controlling access can seem like an insurmountable challenge. However, new digital access solutions can offer increased convenience, while improving operational efficiency and security with reduced costs, logistics and the risks lost keys present in terms of potential security compromises.

Advanced solutions are now available to connect all essential locks, key and access management requirements into a digital ecosystem managed remotely via a web-based manager.

This enables remote key and access management control with the convenience of one key access for everywhere, plus it brings all essential security technology into one digital control centre with a visual interface.

Solutions can also integrate with third party systems such as “Permit to work”, to help ensure the highest standards of health and safety are maintained across the port estate for best practice.

Flexible and future-proof

Digital access solutions not only future-proof security but can also add extra operational efficiency. Remote access control and simplified key management with precise audit trails provides digital convenience, efficiency, and awareness, saving time and increasing security and profitability.

For large port estate owners and managers who are unfamiliar or reluctant when it comes to new technologies, mechanical and electromechanical solutions can be combined to secure the entire port infrastructure.

Mechanical locks may be the preferred option to secure general low risk areas, whereas an electromechanical solution would be recommended to secure areas of higher consequence. For example, these locations may contain high value goods or house explosive atmospheres that must meet DSEAR and ATEX Regulations.

The flexibility to upgrade systems gradually allows budgets to be managed effectively, and comfort and familiarity to be developed before the system is expanded further. With the potential to scale up or down, and add on as required, security is future-proofed too.

Abloy solutions

Abloy solutions go beyond high-end security and access control, enabling remote access control and simplified key management with precise audit trails. Mechanical solutions are robust and offer high strength and durability, designed to operate in harsh environments.

PROTEC2 CLIQTM and ABLOY® BEAT lead digital transformation and operational efficiency within critical infrastructure. They enable remote locking, essential control, and management on the go, adding a new level of operational efficiency.

PROTEC2 CLIQTM electromechanical locks and keys are particularly well suited for port environments where mobile phone use is restricted. The pre-programmable electronic keys provide the convenience of remote control and high security throughout the business, anytime, anywhere.

ABLOY® BEAT is a new digital locking solution that includes a Super Weatherproof Bluetooth padlock operated with a digital mobile key and secured with the best-in-class Seos® credential technology.

Both of the above solution types are managed with ABLOY CIPE (Critical Infrastructure Protection Ecosystem) or they can be integrated into third-party systems, so facilities managers are always in sync with the security situation.

CIPE Manager allows for keys, locks and access rights to be managed on the go with a user-friendly visual mapping cloud-based management system. It connects with

Abloy’s digital portfolio, including ABLOY BEAT, PROTEC2 CLIQ, and ABLOY mechanical master key systems.

CIPE Manager provides digital convenience, control and security that simplifies managing an operation while adding operational efficiency and complete situational awareness.

Abloy padlocks achieve the highest security grade of BS EN 12320:2001 accompanied with the highest grade of corrosion resistance. Our IP68 rated padlocks also have certification LPS 1654 Issue 1 SR Level 1-4 and carry the “+” rating against surreptitious manipulation from the Loss Prevention Council Board (LPCB).

Abloy has a proven track record of helping to protect not only a range of UK ports but other critical infrastructure organisations in the UK for over half a century, and is committed to providing the best security solutions advice and support to help safeguard resilient and continuous services.

To learn more, read Abloy’s whitepaper, “Revolutionising Ports Security and Access Management”, here: https://www.abloy.com/gb/en/about-abloy/white-papers

For further information on products and services available from Abloy UK, visit www.abloy.co.uk, call 01902 364 500, or email [email protected].