Felixstowe handles over three million standard sized containers each year and security is of paramount importance. The port owners, Hutchison Ports (UK) Ltd, needed to enhance security by monitoring movements in and out, without increasing cargo handling times and inconveniencing hauliers.
After detailed discussions with Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, a biometric access control system was introduced which is quick and easy for registered users to use and which can handle thousands of records.
The new system, which is claimed to be the first of its type in the UK, is known as RHIDES (Road Haulier Identity System) and is designed to be an increased deterrent to container theft and improves access controls required to meet the requirements of the ISPS Code.
10,000 hauliers
It uses HandPunch 300 hand geometry access readers together with the Interflex 6020 Access System, Interflex Proximity Access Readers and an iCMS Identity Management System all supplied by Ingersoll Rand. Currently, 10,000 road hauliers are registered on the system, which can be expanded as necessary.
On arrival at the Port, the driver places the card into a reader and his/her hand onto the biometric hand reader. This action simultaneously analyses more than 31,000 points and takes 90 measurements to verify that the person using the device is who he or she claims to be.
If this tallies with the valid smartcard, the Port’s gate system records the number against the container and permits the driver to enter the restricted terminal area.
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