In the field of logistics nodes, (cyber)security and protection are fundamental aspects to guarantee their correct performance.
As key infrastructures in world trade, they are susceptible to all kinds of attacks or dangers, such as terrorist attacks or those related to the illegal trafficking of people or drugs. In addition, the development of new technologies and information and communication systems has generated another type of threat to logistics nodes: intangible threats, known as cyber-attacks.Moreover, logistics nodes are spaces that bring together a large number of infrastructures, vehicles and people in the same space, thus the security within these spaces and surrounding areas is another critical point. The DOCKINGASSIST project is a good example of this. The ship location and monitoring system developed will enable more efficient management of port traffic, reducing its environmental impact.
The SUPPORT project has fully understood that solutions need to be developed to better protect ports, both assets and people. On the one hand, it has developed solutions to overcome two types of threats: divers in ports (physical threat) and non-port sensors (intangible threat). On the other hand, it also focused its efforts on improving both the training of port facility security and safety staff through an Education, Training and Examination module, and on the next generation port security solutions through its ICT platform.Improved Port Efficiency And Safety Using A Novel Wireless Network And Differential Global Navigation Satellite System Providing Enhanced Vessel Navigation (DOCKINGASSIST)
DOCKINGASSIST will create a centralised, cost-effective, real-time, accurate vessel location and monitoring system, providing the necessary centimetre positioning/speed accuracy. This solution will also result in improving port traffic management, and reducing operating expenses, CO2 emissions and fuel usage, so as its environmental impact.
These improvements will impact the EU maritime sector reducing the danger in ports and improving their capacity and efficiency.
For that, the project presented the DOCKINGASSIST system, which consisted of two main parts: (i) a DOCKINGASSIST Base Station (BS) installed at the harbour, and (ii) a Portable Pilot Unit (PPU) installed on the ship(s).
The DOCKINGASSIST Base Station (BS) is composed of three different elements: (i) the GNSS/RTK (Global Navigation Satellite System/Real-Time Kinematic) receiver to obtain the GNSS reference (correction) data, (ii) the WiMAX BS in order to communicate with the vessels, and (iii) a control software to manage the GNSS/Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS)/RTK receiver and the WiMAX BS. The software oversees transmitting the correction data through the WiMAX downlink, and of receiving the accurate position, heading, and ROT data from the vessel through the WiMAX uplink. (Dockingassist (n.d.) <http://www.dockingassist.eu/>)
Security UPgrade for PORTs (SUPPORTS)
SUPPORT is aimed at building on these achievements by engaging representative stakeholders to guide the development of next generation solutions for upgraded preventive and remedial security capabilities in European ports.
This project also aims to reduce the potential threats on port facilities upgrading preventive and remedial security capabilities in ports.
One of the main outcomes of the project is the AUV (Autonomous Unmanned Vehicle) for diver detection in ports and SSID (Sea Side Intruder Detection) an analysis of all the different sensors available in the port.
Another outcome was the SUPPORT Port Security Management System (PSMS), which contains a - Education, Training and Examination module. This web-based module is based on best practices of ISPS related Maritime security education and offers an education / training part a manual for drills & exercises and an examination module. PFSO’s can test knowledge of Port Facility Security Personnel and Port Facility Personnel with specific security duties by a pre-loaded exam module containing multiple choice questions, thus keeping track of the knowledge level of all members of the security organization.
The last outcome was an ICT Platform for designing, developing, deploying and maintaining next generation security solutions for large and small-to-medium ports. The platform aimed to utilise a collaborative peer-to- peer architecture for the different port security organisations. (CORDIS - European Commission (n.d.). <https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/242112>)