Two firms were authorised on Thursday by Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt to supply biometric access systems to Belgian ports and, according to one of the companies, great potential exists for enhancing the system.
“We have been operational for some time in the Antwerp port area,” said Lode De Maesschalck of Alfapass, which manages 40 terminals in Antwerp and is one of the two firms cleared.
“We currently monitor over 47,000 digital identities, including 30,000 truck drivers and many people who are not Belgian nationals,” De Maesschalck added. “With roughly 110,000 visitors entering the port daily, there is plenty room for growth.”
Alfapass’ technology was developed entirely by private companies. The firm contends that mandating the use of biometric access checks is crucial in bolstering port security.
“Ensuring port safety is difficult without applying and strictly overseeing stringent rules across all port areas,” De Maesschalck explained. “If terminal A is tightly controlled but not B, the problem merely shifts.”
Following recommendations from the National Maritime Safety Authority, Alfapass and NineID are now authorised to provide Belgian ports with biometric access systems.
With badges and access codes no longer of any use, it will become more challenging for drug traffickers and other miscreants to infiltrate terminals.
