Port Security Enhancement: DP World Yarımca's Trust in FLIR Security Solutions for Effective and Safe Port Operations

Izmit Bay and DP World Yarımca, one of Turkey’s largest container terminals, focus strongly on industry-leading technologies to provide exceptional value to their customers and partners. As the port grows, it is vital for DP World Yarımca to maintain seamless operations and ensure a high level of security.

To overcome these challenges, DP World Yarımca has adopted innovative technological products, including FLIR's comprehensive security monitoring solutions. FLIR’s advanced security technologies make significant contributions to the port’s ability to achieve both its security and operational efficiency goals.

DP World Yarımca: A Brief Overview

DP World Yarımca is located in the heart of Turkey's Anatolian region. The port serves as a gateway to international markets for many Turkish companies and supports the economic activities of the East Marmara region and much of Anatolia. With the capacity to accommodate four vessels or two ultra-large container ships simultaneously, DP World Yarımca is the fastest and most efficient port in Turkey.

Ensuring secure and seamless operations for its customers is one of the main duties of DP World Yarımca port operators. However, this task is becoming increasingly complex due to the illegal fishing, diving, and mussel smuggling activities that are commonly encountered in the region.

Challenges Faced by DP World Yarımca

Illegal Fishing and Mussel Smuggling

Mussels grow abundantly on the pilings that support the port's docks, creating an attractive target for mussel smugglers. This activity is not only illegal but also presents a serious security risk for both the smugglers and the legally operating personnel at the port. The collection of mussels can also damage the cathodic protection system, which protects the port's underwater and underground metal structures from corrosion. İsmail Karaçam, DP World Yarımca's Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment Manager, states, "Mussel smugglers hinder our ability to monitor port activities efficiently and have the potential to disrupt our operations.

Delays in Ship Maneuvers

Additionally, illegal hunters and divers may enter ship maneuvering areas, causing delays in the docking and undocking processes of vessels. This can lead to disruptions in the supply chain.

DP World Yarımca’s Commitment to Security

Since its establishment, the port has always considered security its top priority. The organization has consistently provided the necessary technology to monitor activities coming from the sea and ensure security and sustainable operations in the container yard. When the existing security monitoring systems reached the end of their lifespan, DP World’s security team began searching for a new solution capable of detecting unauthorized access both on land and at sea.

Finding the Right Port Security Monitoring Solution

While researching new technologies, the port security team learned about FLIR's visible and thermal security monitoring portfolio through the Turkish distributor and integrator IRMARINETECH. Koray Serbest, the founder of IRMARINETECH, stated, "We had previously successfully completed port security projects in Turkey. This gave the DP World team confidence that we could meet their needs. After convincing product demos and proof of concepts, DP World Yarımca decided to collaborate with us and FLIR."

Enhancing Port Security with FLIR’s Thermal and Visible Camera Systems

FLIR’s thermal and visible camera systems completely transformed DP World Yarımca’s approach to port security. These advanced technologies allowed the port security team to monitor illegal activities during nighttime, in adverse weather conditions, and from long distances, thereby increasing operational capacity.

Monitoring Activities at Sea and During Nighttime

İsmail Karaçam says, "Illegal fishermen and divers have proven to be very creative in their activities. One of their strategies was to paint their boats black, allowing them to disappear from the view of our cameras during nighttime. That's when we realized we needed thermal camera technology. With FLIR’s thermal cameras, we can now monitor illegal activities at night, in harsh weather conditions like rain or fog, and from long distances."

Detection of Unauthorized Intruders and People Falling into the Sea

The port has invested in FLIR’s thermal cameras to monitor the 800-meter coastline and activities up to 200 meters from the sea. These cameras include the FC-Series ID analytics camera, the Saros dome camera, and the M232 pan/tilt marine thermal camera. Port operators can now monitor unauthorized entries at sea 24/7, as well as use the cameras to detect people falling into the sea and oil spills. Additionally, port security patrols use the FLIR Scion thermal handheld camera to detect fishermen and divers entering the dock area in complete darkness.

Environmental Security and Container Yard Monitoring

Environmental Security and Container Yard Monitoring with Thermal and Visible Cameras
The combination of thermal and visible cameras, such as FLIR Quasar panoramic and PTZ cameras, is used to monitor the port's environmental security and activities in the container yard.

FLIR’s Extensive Portfolio and Local Support
DP World Yarımca was aware of FLIR’s strong reputation in port security monitoring. Ultimately, the visual quality of thermal camera systems and their ability to deliver high-accuracy imaging over long distances convinced the DP World Yarımca security management team. Additionally, FLIR provided a solution for every specific security need and application at the port by offering a combination of corporate, environmental security, and maritime monitoring solutions from its extensive portfolio.

The support from IRMARINETECH, a local and dedicated FLIR partner, confirmed that DP World Yarımca had made the right choice. The Security Manager at DP World Yarımca states, "We want to ensure uninterrupted security for our customers, which means we cannot afford technical disruptions. Therefore, we are confident that we can rely on our local partner IRMARINETECH for technical support, spare parts, or rapid product replacements when needed."

DP World Yarımca’s Focus on Technological Innovation
As a strong advocate of digital transformation, DP World Yarımca is constantly seeking opportunities to enhance the efficiency of its physical infrastructure. FLIR stands out as a reliable partner supporting DP World Yarımca’s commitment to future growth and security improvements through technology. The port is exploring collaborations with FLIR to implement additional security measures and strengthen existing systems.

Future Collaborations and Security Enhancements
The port is already collaborating with FLIR to explore how visible and thermal camera technology can provide additional security benefits to the organization. One of the possibilities under consideration is the addition of thermal boom cameras mounted on cranes to monitor the surroundings of vessels.

Another application being considered is the addition of thermal fire detection cameras. Many of the port's customers transport highly flammable products. Early detection of fires would be a valuable contribution to the port's security strategy. FLIR’s FH-Series R thermal cameras, for example, can automatically detect small temperature changes in the field of view, identify hot spots before ignition, and provide early warnings to prevent a fire from breaking out without causing damage to assets or compromising security. After detection, an alert can be sent to the operator through an associated Video Management System (VMS), allowing for a quick assessment and the implementation of rapid response tactics.

Port Security Enhancement: DP World Yarımca's Trust in FLIR Security Solutions for Effective and Safe Port Operations

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