VESPER - Safety Improvement for Passengers on Ferry Vessels
Overview
Background & policy context:
Due to an increasing threat of international terrorism, ferry shipping needs improvements in security protection. Since the introduction of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) to improve international maritime security in 2004, the security situation has changed both internationally and nationally. This requires security structures which, on the one hand, provide effective protection against terrorist activities and, on the other hand, maintain the functionality and efficiency of the ferry service.
Objectives:
In this context, the research project VESPER has dealt with improving the security of people in the ferry business. There is a particular challenge in the business of ferry shipping and RoRo traffic (roll-on roll-off) on the Baltic Sea: In order to compete with bridges and land connections, the handling processes have to be carried out quickly and smoothly. Security measures must not cause any significant delays.
Methodology:
The first step was a systematic review of the current security standards. Subsequently, the aim was to improve security through technical and organizational measures. In addition to passenger transport, the project also looked at security issues concerning the car and truck transport on ferry boats. This applies in particular to the access to ships and related hazards such as the possible carrying of weapons or hazardous substances or the smuggling of suspected persons.
The following subprojects have been defined:
- system ergonomics and access control
- improvement of preventive and operational security in RoRo ferry traffic
- Implementation of reliable security-enhancing procedures in port and RoRo ferry operations
- Studies on the integration of overwater and underwater sensors to build an integrated decision support system
- Information visualization in the human-machine interface
- Analysis of existing laws and directives and, as a result, research regarding the possible enhancement of security through structural, procedural or legislative measures
- Investigations on the potential integration of a decision support system
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