Protecting the US-Canada border

The port, located on the Detroit River, has integrated state-of-the-art cameras from Axis Communications with radar solutions from Accipiter Radar Technologies, enhancing its ability to prevent collisions, detect illegal activity and ensure the safety of thousands of vessels annually.

“Without detailed knowledge of the traffic in these waters, the risk of severe accidents increases significantly, so having the ability to both detect and visually confirm incidents in real-time is invaluable,” said Peter Berry, harbour master and vice president of operations for Windsor Port Authority.

With 6,000 to 9,000 cargo ships and over 10,000 recreational watercraft navigating through the port each year, Windsor Port Authority needed improved visibility to monitor river activity effectively.

While radar from Accipiter has long provided real-time detection, the integration of Axis’ bispectral cameras has introduced 360-degree surveillance, offering both thermal and visual verification.

“Combining advanced camera and radar technology ensures comprehensive visibility in maritime environments, providing essential detection and visual verification to resolve incidents quickly and effectively,” said Anthony Incorvati, transportation segment development manager for the Americas at Axis.

This enhanced system has already proven invaluable, from monitoring a fire aboard a vessel and issuing navigational warnings, to managing vessel traffic around construction sites and aiding in life-saving rescue operations.

“We’ve already been able to do some amazing things with the enhanced surveillance solution, like quickly rescuing drowning victims and helping to catch human smugglers, and we’re eager to see what the future holds as a result of this upgrade,” said Berry.

Looking ahead, the port plans to integrate drone tracking capabilities, further boosting its safety infrastructure.