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ISSUE 10 January 2016
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NEWS
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PSSA
Member News
Security high on the agenda for ports
and shippers
Eighty per cent of world trade is transported
by the international shipping community
and to meet demand requirements port
owners are investing to upgrade and expand
their facilities, while shipping companies
are commissioning ever-larger vessels to
transport goods and people more efficiently.
However, with such investment on a global
scale, there is a growing awareness of the
need to enhance security measures at ports
and, in doing so, safeguard facilities, assets,
vessels, employees, and, of course, customers
and cargoes. There is also a heightened
recognition that, in the first instance, ports
need to be adequately protected at their
perimeters.
Recent events affecting cross-Channel
shipments have also emphasised the need for
robust security measures. In Calais migrants
continue to attempt to enter the UK onboard
goods vehicles passing through the port or
via the fixed rail link. Other UK ports are also
acutely aware of the risk posed by migrants
Concern has also been expressed about
potential damage to shipments and vehicles
heading to the UK, and fears remain over the
safety of drivers, port and rail employees, and
passengers. Following recent talks between
the French and UK government’s additional
security fencing and extra policing resources
have been put in place in Calais with some
measure of success.
The maritime sector has further faced
security concerns over the past few years,
with vessels out at sea being subjected to
acts of piracy, with crew members being
seized and owners facing ransom demands.
Piracy has been particularly prevalent in the
Somalian coast region of the Indian Ocean.
To counter the number of attacks and their
consequences, shipping companies have
introduced extra security measures, which in
some cases have involved the hiring of armed
security guards to deter potential boarders.
Despite fewer incidents over the past 12
months many commentators fear a sting in
the tail in the form of a resurgence in the
number of incidents.
PSSA – all about security
The Perimeter Security Suppliers Association
(PSSA) is the trade body representing
companies involved in the design, manufacture
and supply of perimeter products and
services. The Association provides a focus for
the whole perimeter security industry with
a mission to raise standards and promote
the industry around the world. In extreme
cases, PSSA members may be instrumental
in providing physical protection for sites and
their perimeters against terrorist or criminal
attack that involves the use of extreme force or
explosives.
PSSA formally became a non-profit trade
association limited by guarantee on 1 August
2009. Our founder members are some of the
leading names in the sector. The Association
was formed with the encouragement of the
UK government body, the Centre for the
Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI).
CPNI shares our objective to promote the
use of high performance products and their
professional installation.
The Association is also a founder member
of the new Build UK umbrella organisation for
specialist and main contractors – reflecting
members’ concerns about getting some joined
up support for streamlined PQQs and fair
payment terms. Build UK was formally launched
on 1 September 2015 and brings together 27 of
the industry’s largest main contractors and 40
leading trade associations representing 11,500
specialist contractors, putting them in an ideal
position to transform the construction sector
for the benefit of everyone.
Recently, PSSA has been making its mark
in some key national business and security
strategies. It is inputting to the forward
strategy for the Home Office on security
issues – where physical perimeter security
remains a major part of the picture. This is in
addition to the close relationship with CPNI
on critical national infrastructure challenges.
The Association’s partnership with the CPNI
is further moving forward with the shared
project of ensuring that perimeter security
products are tested and marketed correctly
for the benefit of users and specifiers.
NorSea facilities at Stavanger Port (Norway):
Bi-folding trackless speed gate designed for
extreme environments in Northern Europe.
Additional security fencing is helping
to protect the Port of Calais and its
customers as the migrant issue continues.
Image courtesy of Cova Security Gates Ltd.
Image courtesy of Freight Transport Association.
>>> continues overleaf
“PSSA members may be instrumental in
providing physical protection for sites
and their perimeters against terrorist or
criminal attack that involves the use of
extreme force or explosives.”