THE Port of Durban is the first in South Africa to go live with Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)’s new port security system, which includes thermal imaging to reduce security threats.
“In conformance with regulations and our own integrated security management systems – security strategy plan, we are rolling out an upgraded security system across our eight South African commercial ports and our head office in Johannesburg,” said head of TNPA’s port security portfolio, Phumuzi Sigasa.
The system, which is valued at R843-million, went live for the first time in the newly-renovated Durban control room on Friday, 12 February. The control room hosts video walls for visibility throughout the port. Through license plate recognition and improved night visibility by thermal imaging that can detect heat emanating from articles or bodies, even in low visibility areas and through smoke, fog and haze, the high-tech system aims to reduce threats to the port and surrounds and increase safety.
A CCTV system, which comprises 2,100 high definition cameras (1,236 more than before) at various sites and long range cameras, will be integrated between all port sites and the head office.
“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,” said TNPA chief executive Richard Vallihu.
