How AI and video intelligence technology impacts logistics

ISJ hears from Matt Powell, Managing Director for North America, ISS – Intelligent Security Systems.

Operational and security risks abound for cargo found at ports across the globe – from backlogs that fuel supply chain headaches to cargo thieves looking for their next target.

Mitigating against these risks requires individual port operators, logistics and shipping companies and international maritime law enforcement to work together in an effort to ensure freight is protected and delivered securely.

As recovery continues after the supply chain issues resulting from the pandemic, each and every stakeholder realises the importance of maritime assets on the economy at large.

In fact, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management, more than three-quarters (76%) of all trade involves some form of marine transportation.

Threat landscape for port environments

The US has 208 commercial ports that handle at least 250,000 tons of freight.

The annual amount of international freight is worth $2.3t, according to the US Department of Transportation. Protection of valuable merchandise is paramount.

While ports are vulnerable to theft and piracy, weather and climate plays a role in the threats facing waterborne commerce.

In 2022, for example, Hurricane Ian forced temporary closures at seven major US ports. Droughts in the Mississippi River basin disrupted river shipping for parts of 2022 and 2023.

Other examples have arisen over the last several years, giving logistics companies challenges to ensure the safe and secure delivery of important freight.

The US plans to invest a significant amount of money into ports – $20b – according to CBRE, including the modernisation of aging facilities, port crane production and additional domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The safety and security of these critical locations is also a large focus.

The answer to greater oversight for logistics in ports and related freight transportation is the use of more intelligence-driven technology that provides greater insights.

Elements of transport security

Fortunately, innovations in neural network training and AI-powered algorithms are providing port operators with tools that can keep tabs on myriad security threats while simultaneously delivering a comprehensive view of operations.

This technology includes the following elements for a successful, comprehensive solution:

Cargo screening

To help seaports with their primary mission of loading and unloading goods and routing them to their destination, technology recognises various codes on shipping containers at port entrances and integrates with cargo management processes to streamline the flow of goods.

Enhancing this technology with AI makes it more powerful. For example, technology exists that recognises codes on containers that indicate potentially hazardous materials.

Codes that indicate International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) and ADR (or Kemler) help enable operators to see and track the whereabouts of potentially hazardous cargo.

Doing so helps protect not only the goods being transported, but the operators and workers tasked with managing the shipments.

Infrastructure mapping

GIS mapping that allows for tracking across a port facility using existing video infrastructure can help operators understand what’s happening at any given point.

This works by tracking from the moment cargo unloads, as it is stored, relocated and taken off property by cargo carriers. Integration with terminal management systems can enable ports to automate gate operations, as well as truck, train and crane container handling.

Technology capabilities like this can create an effective tool against container tampering and theft, while also serving as an inspection solution to address liability claims.

The ability for the operator to pull-up a specific cargo number and find where it is on property, or pull data into a report, can mean increased safety for valuable cargo.

Under-vehicle screening

Beyond day-to-day cargo handling operations, ports must deal with an influx of trucks and passenger vehicles that pass in and out of the facility’s footprint on a daily basis.

To ensure that explosives, contraband and other prohibited items don’t make their way into or out of the port, technology that leverages under-vehicle screening abilities can make it easier to identify and thwart would-be thieves.

This kind of technology provides high quality images and intelligence to operators to help them detect anomalies.

Scanning under vehicles and aligning them with license plate recognition technology – as well as facial recognition technology – can help enable authorities to quickly identify and locate individuals of interest.

Worker safety and compliance

Aside from tracking and securely storing shipping containers, ports also must comply with worker safety rules from a variety of federal, state and local regulatory authorities.

Failure to adhere to regulations could not only result in hefty fines, but also leave the port operator open to a range of liability claims should personnel become injured while on the job.

Technology that leverages intelligence in detecting helmet and safety vest usage, and additional personal protective equipment (PPE), can help identify protocols that aren’t being met so that they can be addressed with staff quickly and efficiently.

Additional technology that analyses risky behaviour can also be deployed to provide detection for running, falling, fighting, unauthorised entry and more.

Together, these analytics can enhance the safety of workers and ensure compliance.

Interoperability across systems

As with the majority of security systems that are leveraged in areas that protect valuable cargo or freight, interoperability becomes one of the key ingredients to a successful program.

When technology integrates with access control, GIS mapping systems and building automation solutions, comprehensive protection can be put in place.

For example, if a more robust access control solution is needed to control ingress and egress to a specific facility within a port, technology that might allow someone to use their face as a credential could be leveraged alongside traditional credentials to provide multi-factor authentication.

Additionally, the data generated by these different systems can be aggregated and filtered through dashboards and reports per the user’s requirements, providing a comprehensive view of both security and operations.

What’s next for port security?

The integration of AI and video intelligence technology represents a significant advancement in enhancing port security and operational efficiency.

By leveraging these technologies, port operators can more effectively manage cargo screening, infrastructure mapping and under-vehicle screening, thereby reducing risks associated with theft, hazardous materials and unauthorised access.

AI-driven tools for monitoring worker safety and ensuring regulatory compliance further safeguard both personnel and cargo.

As global trade continues to recover and grow, the implementation of these intelligent systems will be crucial in maintaining secure and efficient port operations.