Delivering comprehensive real-time situational awareness and command and control technology to port operators
- Command and control
- wide area surveillance
- intuitive GIS display
- data fusion
- radar/AIS/GPS/CCTV
- small target tracking
- intrusion detection
- access control
- incident management
- asset tracking
- plume modelling
- web portal
- secure collaboration
- dangerous goods
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Port Security
 A port and its hinterland are of vital strategic importance in the movement of people and goods and must be considered a very real target in the eyes of an aggressor. UEMS understand the complex dynamics of this environment and the challenges inherent in developing a suite of sensory inputs above and below the water line to provide maximum visibility and deterrence against an attack.
Ultra Electronics Port solutions have been installed at a number of locations throughout Europe, North America and the Far East such as Halifax in Canada, the Ports of Lake Charles, and Freeport in the USA and Bristol in the UK. Border security has taken on new significance post 9-11 as governments throughout the world seek to strengthen this first line of defense. Drawing upon the skills and expertise of our industry partners and Ultra Electronics proven systems integration capabilities, UEMS are able to design comprehensive solutions incorporating the latest surveillance and sensor technology to address this requirement.
The Ultra Argus Port Security solution delivers a fully integrated, modular system that can be adapted to meet the specific requirements of the individual facility incorporating the following elements: |
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Argus incorporates an Incident Management system which uses the latest computer technology to display geographic information, and tactical overlays to manage a real-time coordinated response. The system is also able to call upon 'on-line' contingency and emergency plans. This provides a visual communication system and shared awareness at all levels of the command structure. The integrated, high-powered briefing capabilities combined with a secure audit log listing all actions, decisions and order of events provides a unique tool that can be used prior, during, and after an incident.
Radar Processing and Tracking
The Argus system will automatically track vessels up to a range of 25NM employing sophisticated signal processing to ensure that the picture is unaffected by changes in weather and sea conditions. Our radar processing and tracking system can be integrated to work with any radar system, and can be configured to optimize particular manufacturer's radar; enhancing radar signal and conditioning video. This hardware and software based radar processing system has already been successfully delivered to the UK Royal Navy for the Type 45 Destroyer programme, and elsewhere on networks of up to forty-nine radars.
Track Management
Multiple sensors can be correlated to provide a fused track picture for the operational area of interest. Track data can be transmitted via a network or radio link to local and remote control room displays and to any Port Security vessel within radio range.
Sensor Management
Camera systems can be integrated and driven by radar/AIS to follow targets of interest. The system includes intelligent selection of the most appropriate camera with the field of view shown on the GIS display. Ultra Electronics SID transponders provide a wireless data-link capable of transmitting application and positional data while handling strong encryption. We have recently produced a more advanced, and reduced size SID, available with additional GSM card and Iridium 9601 Short Burst Data (SBD) Modem for OTH (Over-The-Horizon) operations. The SID can interface with any PC, Laptop, Tablet, or PDA providing a wireless communications link and can be supplied with NMEA, Serial, USB, or Bluetooth interfaces. The SID transponders have recently been used with C2DB for classified asset tracking operations. Other integrated sensors can include chemical detection equipment, perimeter fence monitoring systems and underwater sonar.
Secure Networking
Fundamental to ensuring the reliability and performance of data communications between remote devices and equipment and the command and control interface is a secure and reliable network. Argus has been implemented using several technologies including redundant optical fibre, secure access control, encryption, firewalls, secure VPNs, stringent access policies, and hardened software and hardware.
Access Control
The access control system forms the interface between the access control points such as sensors, card readers, vehicle gates, etc. and the Command and Control System (C2DB). Ultra's Argus permits vendor independent integration of access control devices and the control interface. Fundamental components of a successful access control infrastructure include permission levels, logging, alarms, and flexible operator control.
User Interface/Command Console
Access, management, control and operation of the Argus Port Security system is facilitated via the user interface/command console. The command console provides operators with direct access to all system inputs, tactical information, summary data and reports. Data input, system monitoring, alarm recognition, and event management are all directed through the command console. Secure controlled access and collaboration is provided to stakeholders and inter-agencies through the systems secure network either through direct access or via the Internet.
Ultra have developed a number of COTS solutions that monitor the land, the sea and the interface between the two. In much the same way as outlined above, a range of inputs are fed into a central command and control platform and the resulting output is used to detect and respond to a given situation. |
