Ports of Auckland takes security very seriously, particularly in the face of heightened international security risk.
"With a Gallagher PowerFence™ system installed, Ports of Auckland security measures exceed the Maritime Safety Authority's expectations."
Ports of Auckland
A new era of heightened port security is upon us. Ports all around the world are implementing tighter security measures to safeguard trade and tourism, port staff, port users and local communities from terrorism and trans-national crime. Ports of Auckland Ltd is no exception.
Formed in 1988, Ports of Auckland provides shipping links to 207 ports in 70 countries. This Port is not only New Zealand's largest trade gateway; it is also the country's major hub port and biggest general cargo port handling over 600,000 containers annually.
The port handles 43% of New Zealand's total container trade. In terms of New Zealand's total trade by value, 68% of imports and 33% of exports go through the Port.
Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL) has four main operating divisions:
- Axis Intermodal, the specialist container handling division - New Zealand's largest and Australasia's third largest terminal operator
- Port Services, responsible for Marine Services and General Wharves (which handles containers, break-bulk cargo and bulk cargo) and the management contract for North Tugz Ltd
- Logistics, which operates the network of inland ports
- Investment Property which administers the company's property holdings.
The Challenge
As part of a programme of increased security measures, Ports of Auckland upgraded their security systems with the installation of a PowerFence™ perimeter security system from Gallagher Security Management Systems.
Will Harvey, POAL's General Manager Port Services comments:
"Gaining compliance (with new maritime security regulations) was a huge operation for Ports of Auckland. We spent in excess of NZ$1 million strengthening border security management. We appointed a new Port Facility Security Officer, put in place new port access systems, new photo identity cards, upgraded four kilometres of perimeter fencing and significantly improved our electronic surveillance systems".
The perimeter security system had to meet a number of criteria. It had to:
- Satisfy the Maritime Safety Authority that it detects and deters criminal entry
- Satisfy the Operations Managers that the system was safe for staff and visitors
- Be ‘Community friendly'
- Be aesthetically pleasing
The Solution
To meet these requirements, POAL installed various types of PowerFence™ perimeter security.
A full height fence (2.4m to 3m tall) with chain link mesh guards the perimeter of various sites including the Axis Ferguson container terminal, New Zealand's largest container terminal. This site features five quayside container cranes, including two powerful post-panamax cranes, and 25 straddle carriers. It has a 600-metre berth with the capacity for two large or three medium-sized ships. Work is underway on a 9.5 hectare extension to the terminal which will increase the potential TEU capacity to 500,000 a year.
An existing fence with heritage classification running along the city side of the Port had to remain untouched when securing this section of the perimeter. To preserve this piece of Auckland's history, a full height PowerFence™ system was installed inside the heritage fence.
The heritage fence features a replica extension. This extension has a 13 wire alarm monitored ‘topper' system. This structure inhibits anyone from breaching the perimeter and maintains an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
2.1 km of the full-height PowerFence™ system secures various internal access points from visitors' car compounds to the Wynyard Wharf Tanker Berth where bulk liquid imports are handled. With the PowerFence™ system operating safely and effectively in this area, POAL is assured of the security of this site which operates under hazardous substances (HAZNO) regulations.
Integratable and Effective
A key factor in the decision to install a PowerFence™ system was that it is an intelligent system, which deters would-be intruders and detects attack. The system consists of independent zones, which can be individually monitored and controlled. It also integrates with the Cardax FT access control and intruder alarms system - another security system from Gallagher Security Management Systems already installed at POAL. It is anticipated that the Cardax FT system will monitor alarms generated on the PowerFence™ system (via one user interface) for seamless site security.
In addition, a core consideration for the port environment was the PowerFence™ system's safety for employees and the public. PowerFence™ systems deliver a short, safe shock to anyone trying to breach the fence. They are installed to meet stringent safety criteria by certified PowerFence™ installers.
The New Zealand government-appointed regulatory body, the Maritime Safety Authority (MSA) verified Ports of Auckland compliant with the new international security requirements, the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code, in June 2004.
Exceeds Requirements & Expectations
MSA Acting Director Tony Martin commended Ports of Auckland for meeting the security requirements in time for 1 July. "The Port has exceeded our expectations in developing and implementing its security plan. As one of the largest ports in New Zealand, Ports of Auckland had a huge task to develop and implement its security measures by 1 July. They have taken a strong and professional focus to security, and a proactive and very detailed approach to the task. We have been extremely impressed," he said.
Ports of Auckland is satisfied that the PowerFence™ system really sends the message that that they are serious about security. This is evidenced by the fact that other ports look to replicate the high international standards and security measures this world class Port has implemented.
