SAIC Improving the Security of U.S. Harbors and Seaports
Each year, more than two billion metric tons of cargo move through U.S. ports, and foreign ships make approximately 51,000 calls at U.S. ports. Not only does this make the ports a potential target for terrorist attack, but the ships that visit them may also carry illegal drugs and other contraband or be used to transport terrorists and nuclear or biological weapons.
SAIC has a long history of making ports secure. Having served the maritime market for more than 20 years, which includes providing security for ports, harbors, coasts, and marine installations, SAIC has an experienced perspective on what constitutes effective, efficient port security planning. In addition, SAIC is a top provider of Federal information technology (IT) security and is a leader in U.S. law enforcement training and physical security assessment.
What does a comprehensive port security plan include? Here is a look at how SAIC approaches port security.
We begin with a thorough assessment of physical and information technology security needs by experts who understand ports and port management. Their recommendations complement the port's mission, requirements, and resources.
To protect port approaches, SAIC harbor systems, used by the U.S. Navy as well as other U.S. and international customers, integrate sensor systems and response assets. Our harbor systems give a clear picture of the port - on land and underwater. Mobile, inshore undersea units, linked with command, control, and communications systems, provide an effective means of managing the response to threat.
SAIC's Waterside Security System provides port entry and perimeter security without increasing the port security force. Portable, ruggedized, nondestructive inspection hardware, using commercial off-the-shelf software, can be rapidly deployed onboard ships entering port and at pier-side.
Once in port, SAIC systems, developed with our knowledge of port management and security and based on our highly successful Automated Gate System (AGS), one of SAIC's Integrated Intermodal Solutions, come into play. These systems are used for container identification and processing as cargo containers move through terminal depots, warehouse, and distribution centers.
AGS-based systems process cargo, drivers, and vehicles by using high-resolution digital video technology, interactive kiosk, our proprietary optical character recognition algorithms and associated knowledge-based software, and radio frequency Automatic Equipment Identification. For one of the largest rail carriers of truck trailers and marine containers in the U.S., AGS processes containers at five times the speed of conventional operations. It reduced data errors, reduced the average transaction processing time for each trucker in the intermodal facility by 70 percent, and increased throughput. It reduced facility operating costs and labor requirements. The system automatically records and archives images of containers as they enter and exit terminals, making it easier to identify damage. Terminal operators use the Internet to show customers images of damage.
In port intermodal facilities, damaged and high-risk containers, quickly identified by an AGS system, are routed through another proven and highly effective SAIC technology: VACIS® gamma ray imaging systems. A cost-effective VACIS unit can reliably scan a 40-foot container in less than six seconds. Gamma ray technology scans the contents of containers, vehicles, and railcars, without harming cargo, and a real-time image shows system operators the contents of containers, verifying that cargo is consistent with a declared manifest and revealing voids, false walls and ceilings, and other secret compartments. VACIS systems, used by U.S. Customs inspectors at various key U.S. entry points, including seaports, has helped make significant recoveries of contraband. The Portal VACIS® inspection system was also used in the U.S. Customs Service's prototype for more secure ports.
To quickly and easily provide complete information for port security management, all security systems are integrated to give access to necessary information through a single system. SAIC has successfully designed, developed, and managed some of the world's largest integrated systems. Our experts know how to make systems work together efficiently, while giving users fast, secure access to the information needed to keep ports secure.
Visit SAIC's Homeland Security or Safety & Security Products sections to learn more about VACIS, Portal VACIS and other security products. Information is also available on our Transportation Products.
