Latest news with #portsecurity
Arabian Business
14-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Why Gulf ports must rethink risk to maintain commercial advantage
In today's fast-changing world of maritime logistics, port security is no longer just about protecting access. It has become a critical driver of operational speed, national resilience and economic performance. As global trade volumes rise and criminal threats evolve, Gulf ports must rethink how they manage risk without obstructing flow. The ports that will lead in 2026 and beyond will be defined by three principles. They will be smart, they will be secure, and they will be green. These are not just trends rather strategic imperatives for the next generation of global logistics. Smart security is targeted security Smart ports are not just high-tech ports. They are intelligent systems built around rapid risk identification. The real advantage of artificial intelligence is not in automating everything, but in knowing what to flag and when. If used properly, AI will help security teams focus on what matters most and reduce unnecessary checks. Crucially, AI does not replace people. It supports them. In an era where criminal networks are increasingly targeting port workers for intimidation or recruitment, the human layer alone is not enough. AI-enabled systems provide an invisible layer of protection. They detect what might be missed and make it much harder for criminals to game the system. However, smart does not mean invincible. Without solid business continuity plans and well-tested contingency measures, ports risk over-reliance on digital infrastructure. The outage at Heathrow earlier this year made it clear. Technology without viable contingencies can bring operations to a halt. Security convergence builds resilience Security cannot live in silos. It must converge. That means blending physical security, technical systems and digital monitoring into a single command structure. This approach enables faster responses, greater cohesion, and reduces confusion during incidents or crises. But convergence should not stop at security. The next frontier is organisational convergence. Every department in the port environment, from health and safety to HR to finance, must understand its role in protecting the operation. Integration is what makes a port agile. Without it, even the best tools will not deliver results. Too many organisations fail because their departments work in isolation. Ports cannot afford that kind of fragmentation. Security should be a shared responsibility across the entire enterprise. Compliance is not the finish line The ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code offers an essential framework for international port security. But it was never meant to be the endpoint. Some ports treat it as a ceiling. In reality, it should be the starting line. Security audits that meet the minimum standard are not enough in today's risk environment. Ports need experienced and credible partners who can assess vulnerabilities, provide meaningful risk mitigation recommendations and help build resilience. A security partnership is key to blending international best practice with local environmental, cultural, and resource realities. The cost of getting it wrong can be significant, not just in money, but in reputation. Hidden threats are rising fast The most visible flashpoints in maritime security are well known. War in the Red Sea. Tensions in the Arabian and Black Seas. Yet some of the fastest-growing risks are not always on the latest geopolitical map. Drug smuggling, for example, has become a serious disruptor. The discovery of narcotics on board can lead to a vessel's detention, delay operations and trigger lengthy legal proceedings. Criminal groups have also grown more sophisticated. Insider threats, where crew or port workers are recruited or coerced, are now a real risk. Another overlooked issue is irregular migration. Many shipping companies are unaware of their legal obligations when they come across vessels in distress. They often lack protocols to handle such situations while ensuring the safety of their crew and assets. This is not an occasional problem. It is becoming more frequent and complex. The future is public-private collaboration There is a clear distinction between the responsibilities of state and private actors. Any role that resembles warfighting should always rest with the state. But the protection of trade, merchant shipping and critical infrastructure is a space where the private sector can offer value. Private security providers are often more flexible and cost-effective. They also have the industry expertise to tailor security to commercial realities. In the coming years, collaboration between private and public actors will become essential to achieving lasting resilience. The next must-have capability is AI maritime domain awareness By 2026, the most advanced ports and shipping companies will adopt integrated AI systems for maritime domain awareness. These platforms will link port operations, ship movements and threat indicators into one view. This will allow decision-makers to act quickly and with full information. More importantly, this will bring security convergence to life. It will connect physical infrastructure, digital monitoring and risk intelligence in real time. Technology exists however the only question is who will act first. Security is a foundation for growth To keep trade flowing, ports must treat security not as a regulatory requirement but as a competitive asset. In a world where criminal tactics are changing faster than ever, agility is not optional. Neither is integration. The winners will be those who plan for both. Smart. Secure. Green. These are the defining values of modern port strategy. Those who build around them will shape the next decade of maritime security leadership.
Gulf Business
07-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Insights: Gulf ports face new security challenges as trade ambitions accelerate
Image: Supplied Ports have evolved beyond their role as trade gateways. Today, they stand as critical pillars of national resilience and economic continuity. In the modern-world, where over 80 per cent of global trade moves by sea and the Gulf plays a central role in global energy and logistics, port security should not be viewed as a cost or a compliance exercise. It must be treated as a vital economic enabler. Without strong and modern security, the Gulf's ambitions to lead in manufacturing, trade, and supply chain integration will remain a challenge. At the recent 'Make it in the Emirates' forum, the UAE laid out a bold industrial vision. Officials highlighted that local manufacturers can now access a global market of 2.5 billion people. Free zones, re-export hubs, and logistics corridors powered by ports including The threat landscape is escalating Port security has moved far beyond fences and surveillance cameras. Today, it involves tackling everything from phishing attempts and cyber intrusions to insider threats and the growing risk posed by smuggling, irregular migration, modern-day slavery and autonomous drones. According to the Center for Internet Security, malware-based attacks rose by 30 per cent in the first half of 2024, with a staggering 92 per cent increase recorded in May alone. These figures are not abstract. They represent very real risks that port operators face daily while trying to maintain efficient operations. Rising geopolitical tensions, from unrest in the Red Sea to broader regional flashpoints, are putting new pressure on Gulf ports. Ensuring their resilience is no longer just about protecting trade. It is now central to national security and regional stability. Compliance is the starting line, not the finish Most Gulf ports meet the basic international security standards under the ISPS Code. But that is not enough. Compliance provides a framework, not a solution. Too often, operators treat it as a checklist rather than a foundation. True resilience requires a different mindset. Port security should not be seen as an obstacle to trade but as a core pillar of competitiveness.. Jebel Ali Port is a leading example. Its global reputation was not earned by simply meeting minimum standards. Its success is the result of ongoing risk assessments, continuous training, and a proactive approach to every aspect of security – particularly in its adoption of technology and its integration into its production primacy approach. This is a model that other ports in the region can learn from and adapt. Integration is the future of security Modern ports function as complex ecosystems. They bring together free zones, logistics providers, customs authorities, and digital infrastructure into a single operational environment. Within this space, security must be fully integrated. Physical access control, cybersecurity protocols, intelligent surveillance, and emergency response planning all need to work together as one. Technology plays a critical role. From biometric access systems to artificial intelligence for threat detection, there are advanced tools that can help enhance security. However, these tools are only effective when guided by skilled professionals with the right training. As Bill Gates once noted, automation applied to an inefficient operation only magnifies the inefficiency. Without strong processes and capable people, even the best technology will fall short. The Gulf's advantage must be used wisely The Gulf has already demonstrated that it can deliver world-class infrastructure. The next frontier is building secure infrastructure that can adapt and evolve with emerging risks. This will require moving beyond paper-based plans and embracing real-world testing. Scenario-based exercises and crisis simulations should become standard practice. Security cannot be a one-time investment. It must be embedded into the daily culture of port operations. Governments and private sector operators must also collaborate more closely. Intelligence sharing, regional coordination, and the development of Gulf-specific security standards can raise the overall r At the heart of this transformation is human capital. The region must invest in developing a new generation of trained and trusted security professionals who understand both physical and digital threats. Security is an investment in growth A single breach at a Gulf port would do more than delay containers. It could disrupt entire supply chains, shake investor confidence, and damage the region's reputation as a dependable trade partner. In a global economy driven by trust, security is no longer optional. It is a non-negotiable investment in sustainable growth. One of the Gulf's strengths lies in its ability to build with foresight. Unlike older ports that are burdened with legacy systems, Gulf ports can design modern security architecture from day one. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman have already begun this journey by introducing smart surveillance systems, AI-driven monitoring, and integrated command centers. These are promising steps, but more must be done. A final question for the region Port security should not be treated as a side function or a technical afterthought. It is central to growth, to national strength, and to the region's future as a global trade and industrial hub. The Gulf can lead not just in port development but in redefining what secure, resilient trade infrastructure looks like for the rest of the world. As the region accelerates toward a more industrial and interconnected future, one question must be asked. Are we just expanding our ports, or are we securing our prosperity? The answer will determine how far and how smart, secure, and geen the Gulf travels on the path to economic leadership. The writer is the CEO at Neptune P2P Group.
CTV News
30-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Suspicious activity on the waterways? Here's what to do:
If you've noticed suspicious activity on the local waterways, the Windsor Port Authority and Crime Stoppers want to hear from you. They are partnering to get more tips on the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie to help keep the waterways secure. 'We want to make port security public security in the forefront and we're asking people to step forward and say, 'I see something, it just doesn't seem right,'' said harbour master Peter Berry. He said it will help get more of the evidence back to the police. Crime Stoppers and Port Authority Crime Stoppers and Windsor Port Authority on the Detroit River in Windsor, Ont. (Melanie Kentner/CTV News Windsor) There are specific activities regarding boats to be on the lookout for. 'The most common is looking for a boat to shore and doesn't look like it's a normal boater. Or they're coming into a place that very unusual, like the centre of the park in downtown Windsor or other areas, abandoned properties, vacant properties.' Other suspicious actions include were boat lands and several people get off, and you start to see a lot of hockey bags being thrown off a boat. 'Really good chance that's smuggling occurring in front of you,' he said. The port authority and Crime Stoppers are releasing photos of suspicious boats seen in the area. Suspicious boat A suspicious boat on the Detroit River (Source: Windsor Port Authority) 'They've been brought over and used for smuggling and then abandoned. One of the boats was used to move people. The other boat was used, we believe, to bring guns over into the Windsor area. And both those boats were found in the downtown and west Windsor,' said Berry. Berry said it's not unusual to see boats here, but it's very unusual to see a boat with nobody near it, especially if it's dropped on the shoreline. He said smuggling is also an issue on the river - human smuggling, drug smuggling and gun smuggling. 'Of course the human smuggling side, you'll see a jet ski you go by. It's got a three person seat and the people in the back are fully clothed in jeans and jackets. Very unusual to be on a sea-doo with people dressed like that.' Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or
