SubscribeThe International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conference in London approved a series of regulations to enhance maritime security and prevent acts of terrorism against shipping a few years ago.
One of the immediate effects was the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code that came into effect at all seaports worldwide in 2004. The purpose of the ISPS Code is to reduce the risk of terrorist attacks and the vulnerability of seagoing transport and ships, an objective requiring reinforced "land/sea" access controls for human beings and cargoes alike.
One of the major risks is simply the fact that pedestrians can creep into a ship without being noticed. The only protection against this is fences and gates that are too high to scale. But precisely because of their low speed, conventional sliding gates directly conflict with maintenance of traffic flow, which is vital for the functionality and operation of ports.
This explains why the Vancouver Port Authority decided to install a number of BLG 76 rising fenced barriers at the Port's Fraser Surrey Dock, TSI, Centerm, P & O and Saskatchewan Wheat Pool cargo terminals.
BLG 76 is the largest rising fenced barrier in the Vancouver facilities. It is 5 meters long by 3 meters high and includes barb wire. Because this gate straddles a railway track, it needs a longer barrier rail than normal. And since conventional lift mechanisms are not strong enough to lift a rail of this size, Automatic Systems' engineers had to devise a three-phase motor in place of a conventional motor to compensate for the excess weight.
Fast and easy to install
The advantages of these fenced gates over the quick-folding gates are many. First of all: the speed is quite impressive. It can be raised and lowered quickly. This prevents unnecessary and expensive waiting times at the barrier. Thus the BLG 76 barrier system can safely manage access at traffic densities up to 1,000 transits a day.
Furthermore, installation of the facility is very straightforward. There is no need to add any guide device for the wings of the gate, e.g. rails sunk into the ground, so there is no need to disturb the road surface. In the event of a vehicle collision, this also makes repairs far cheaper, because the concrete does not have to be replaced and the spare parts are cheaper.
Weatherproof deterrent
A further positive aspect of the barrier solution concerns the environmental protection. In port facilities there might be occasional flooding. In this context, the electric motor drive as opposed to the oil-powered hydraulics of a fast-running gate proves to be very straightforward. Regardless of this the technology works without any problems in all climatic conditions - in wind, snow or frost. The barriers also benefit from heating with a thermostatic control unit.
Another aspect that should not be underestimated is the deterring psychological effect of an obstruction coming from above with regard to avoidance of prohibited passage. This effect can also be reinforced by barbed wire - a tried-and-tested and convincing argument against the climbing aspirations of unauthorised persons;
Automatic Systems is in a position to provide IMO/ISPS-compliant perimeter access control solutions to meet the security requirements of any seaport in the world. These robust, high-security products provide crucial safeguards in the ongoing fight against international terrorism.
