Windsor Port Authority upgrades surveillance

The Windsor Port Authority has enhanced safety and security along the Detroit River using advanced surveillance technology from Axis Communications and Accipiter Radar Technologies Inc.

The upgrades include state-of-the-art bispectral cameras and radar systems, providing 360-degree visibility to prevent collisions, detect illegal activity and save lives in the busy waterway that serves as a key link between Lake Huron and Lake Erie.

“Without detailed knowledge of the traffic in these waters, the risk of severe accidents increases significantly,” said Peter Berry, harbour master and vice-president of operations for Windsor Port Authority.

The technology has already proved effective in real-world situations, including aiding rescues of drowning victims, identifying obstructions and assisting in the capture of human smugglers.

During construction of a new bridge, the system helped manage river traffic safely, while enhanced detection capabilities allowed the port to provide faster responses to emergencies, including the evacuation of a fire-damaged vessel.

In the future, the authority plans to incorporate drone awareness technology into its monitoring system.

The Windsor Port Authority is one of 17 national ports established under the Canada Marine Act in 1999. It handles between 6,000 and 9,000 cargo vessels annually, along with over 10,000 smaller boats and recreational watercraft.