Port of Barcelona, a safer port thanks to Genetec

Genetec helps the Port of Barcelona, one of the main logistics hubs of the Mediterranean and the leading peninsular port in international traffic, to become an intelligent and cyber-secure environment, significantly improving its security, efficiency and operational capacity with the implementation of the Genetec Security Center platform.

The Port of Barcelona has experienced continuous growth in recent years, which has generated new operational and security needs. In response to these challenges, the Port Authority of Barcelona is undertaking an ambitious modernization process with the aim of transforming the port into a safer environment, smart and efficient.

This is highlighted by David Serral, CIO of the Port of Barcelona, who points out that, as it is considered a critical infrastructure, el puerto tiene que cumplir siempre una serie de exigencias técnicas de primer nivel. That's why, el objetivo principal de los responsables del puerto ha sido unificar plataformas y centralizar la información de seguridad en un único entorno. “Queríamos salir de soluciones propietarias y disponer de una gran plataforma que nos diera cobertura a la incorporación de todas las señales, principalmente vídeo, pero también alarmas y otros sistemas, y poder gestionarlas de una manera satisfactoria con un único interlocutor, hablando el mismo lenguaje”, states.

Precisely, la elección de Genetec como proveedor tecnológico tuvo esto en cuenta y se apoyó en su robustez, flexibilidad y cumplimiento con los más altos estándares de ciberseguridad.

For your part, Dídach Höflich, ICT project manager in the Information Systems Department of the port, explains that system integration has been key to solving operational challenges: “Before, we had the control center with different computers and various functionalities, and its management was very difficult. Now everything is unified in Genetec Security Center“, comment.

Thanks to the fact that the platform is modular, they were able to first implement the service of CCTV and later incorporate additional tools, advanced video analytics, intercom, fire detection y license plate management systems. Besides, its flexibility has also allowed them to integrate body cams, drones or vessel control systems, which has improved access management and incident response.

El reto es aprovechar toda la información que se recopila y compartirla con el resto de los departamentos del puerto. “Todos los meses hay nuevas tecnologías que se pueden integrar fácilmente en Genetec Security Center. Y esto nos gusta mucho porque estamos constantemente indagando, mejorando, buscando opciones de mejora y ofreciéndoselas a los diferentes departamentos del Port de Barcelona”, señala Höflich.

El puerto también ha desarrollado paneles personalizados que permiten visualizar en tiempo real la situación de diferentes zonas, como ocurrió durante la celebración de la Copa América. “This event, aparte de generarnos mucho trabajo, fue un catalizador de los diferentes proyectos tecnológicos que teníamos en marcha. We had a great need to know which vessels were entering and leaving through the north mouth. We were looking at different options. We saw a company that had an artificial intelligence model very well trained in other ports and it could detect and classify the different vessels. This has been a revolution, because since then we perform this control. The port's intention is to be a smart port, and Genetec Security Center helps us move in that direction, constantly integrating new technologies”, ensures Höflich.

Privacy and cooperation guaranteed

Finally, Jaume Molina, Chief Superintendent of the Port Police of the Port of Barcelona, addresses the privacy section, an aspect that from the beginning has been a priority for them. “All cameras must be authorized by the Catalonia Video Surveillance Control Commission, and contain a series of visual filters on faces”, explains. Nevertheless, in case of judicial investigation, the system allows these filters to be deactivated in a controlled and recorded manner. “The ability to provide images without these filters when necessary is fundamental for us. That used to be much more complicated; we could take more than a week to download what the authorities asked us for. Now it is much easier”.

Ultimately, the Port of Barcelona has transformed its technological infrastructure for strengthen security, operational efficiency and institutional collaboration. Through the testimonies of its protagonists, The real impact of Genetec technology is shown in one of Europe's most complex port environments to manage.

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