In 2007, based on proposals of the Ports Security Plan, the Maltese Government implemented a project funded by the European Union under the Structural Funds Programme Malta, to install an advanced security system to monitor Maltese ports, harbours, bays, quays and berths. The system is designed to enhance maritime security, to counter maritime security threats and monitor local waters ffor safety.
Phase One of the project was to install a centrally monitored CCTV system linked to a control room at the new Malta Maritime Authority (MMA) Maritime Trade Centre.
The system currently covers the an extensive area including Kordin Grain Terminal, Delimara, the MMA Head Office, Cirkewwa, Bugibba, Turretta, House of Four Winds, Nazzarenu Church, St Luke's Hospital, Flagstone Wharf, Torri San Lucjan and Mgarr, Gozo (a separate island). In the future it is expected that the system will be expanded to other bays in Malta.
Alberta Fire & Security (Alberta) won this prestigious assignment, a first for Malta and the Mediterranean. The communications system, run by Honeywell MaxPRO-Net server and software, is linked wirelessly to the CCTV system protecting the Maltese shores.
Coast security camera network
The system is operational hours 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At present, there are twelve cameras installed, with a further four relay sites located at Luqa, Madiena, Xemxija and Qammieh.
The cameras in use include advanced Day/Night lenses preventing the loss of focus during the twilight hours. All images are recorded using the latest Honeywell Fusion Digital Recording Technology.
The Control Room is equipped with the Honeywell MaxPRO-Net CPU system server and software, including telemetry which allows operators to review and control the remote cameras from a single station, while viewing the images received on two monitors, one 42" High Definition Plasma Screen and one CCTV purpose Spot Monitor. The MMA has allocated two operators per shift, thus ensuring a continuous monitoring of the Maltese shores.
The images captured by the cameras are transformed into a signal, via the MaxPRO-Net system, encoded on site and subsequently transmitted by wireless antenna to the MMA Head Office. The system's power is sustained by uninterruptible power supplies and generators; this ensures that the system downtime is avoided even in the event of power failure.
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| The system is designed to support local and Mediterranean Law Enforcement in the prevention of crime |
Initial and continuing surveillance
The system is designed to support Local and Mediterranean Law Enforcement in the Prevention of Crime as well as the implementation of Systematic Good Order. This includes safety issues both in local waters as well as on land, thus facilitating Local and EU Law and Legislature.
The team
The project involved the input of the MMA, Alberta, MTS, the consulting engineers and the Honeywell Security system design team.
Following the successful interactive association between the Malta Maritime Authority and Alberta, the commissioning of Phase One of this project was a triumph that unquestionably required great energy and purpose.
Since its inception in 1983, Alberta Fire & Security has been dedicated to providing state of the art security to homes and businesses alike, including projects where safety and security is paramount. Alberta offers its customers unequalled core competencies and an unrivalled standard in service and is now a Honeywell Select Systems Integrator.
