By Mark Cardwell
As the General Manager of Risk Management at Montreal Gateway Terminals Partnership (MGT), Frederic Provost leads the team that is in charge of constantly evaluating terminal security. Recently, this team became aware of an opportunity to leverage technology to create a new state-of-the-art camera surveillance system that would exceed ISPS certification requirements, and raise the bar for security and operational monitoring at MGT’s two container terminal operations located in the port of Montreal.
“This is more of a preventative measure than a response to any problem,” Provost told Canadian Sailings. “However, it shows how seriously we take security.” Beginning last summer, the terminals’ old analog camera system was gradually dismantled and replaced by a new high-definition digital camera system. In addition to providing crystal-clear images that offer more analysis-worthy details about people and license plates, among other things, the new system is capable of capturing twice as much data as the previous system.
“The difference is like night and day,” said Provost. “The system has been changed and upgraded from A to Z.” He also noted that the new system features more cameras which allow both railcars and trucks to be recorded at both MGT Terminals, located at sections 62 and 77 – on a round-the-clock basis. “MGT has a penchant for setting the bar for security in the industry,” added Kevin Doherty, MGT’s Chief Executive Officer. “Through this installation we have created a multi-use system that exceeds ISPS Code requirements.” According to Doherty, the new system demonstrates the commitment of his company to maximizing cargo safety at its two terminals, which together handle some 800,000 containers a year. MGT is held 80 per cent by American banking giant Morgan Stanley and 20 per cent by Hapag Lloyd.
The vast majority of that cargo comes from Europe and is shipped almost evenly by both rail and truck from the port of Montreal to markets across Canada and the United States. “We have always taken pride in working collaboratively with various law enforcement agencies,” said Doherty. “By providing this enhanced level of detail we are able to create even greater synergy with these external groups and collaborate more closely and efficiently to maximize terminal security.”