Embracing the future:
Port of Hirtshals enhances security with drone surveillance system
Ports play a crucial role in the Danish infrastructure, placing high demands on security measures for the ports in Demark. At Port of Hirtshals, this responsibility is taken seriously, which is why an advanced drone surveillance system has recently been installed as part of a strategic pilot project with the Danish company AirPlate.
A new pilot project has been launched at the Port of Hirtshals. From February to May, the port is testing an advanced drone surveillance system from the company AirPlate to proactively strengthen security measures concerning the airspace above the port’s facilities.
- Port security requirements are constantly evolving, and we must evolve with them. Port facility security has traditionally focused on land and water areas, but there are also increasing requirements for areas such as cybersecurity. Therefore, it may not be unrealistic to expect that the authorities will soon introduce stricter regulations for securing airspace as well, says Michael R. Langballe, Head of Transport & Logistics and Port Security Officer at Port of Hirtshals. He further highlights the importance of this issue, by noting that both Denmark and Norway have experienced incidents where drones have unlawfully entered secured areas.
- Our collaboration with AirPlate provides us with a unique opportunity to test an advanced surveillance system here at Port of Hirtshals. The pilot project has been running for just over a month, and the system has already detected several drone flights. This reinforces the need for us to maintain a strong dialogue with drone operators in the area.
Developed in Denmark, ready for the world
AirPlate offers a drone detection solution developed in Odense, Denmark, which identifies the position, route, and pilot information about drones in real time. This enables users of the system to respond effectively to potential security threats. At AirPlate, CEO August Mader is optimistic about the collaboration with Port of Hirtshals:
- The first drone was detected by the system a few hours after we installed the sensors. It was incredible to see the technology delivering value so quickly. We see Port of Hirtshals as a strong case where our technology can play a key role in protecting and documenting drone activity in the airspace over port facilities. Our goal is to assist even more companies in the critical infrastructure sector in managing drone-related threats and to become a long-term partner in strengthening the security efforts at Port of Hirtshals.