PureTech’s Video Analytics Selected to Protect the Port of Halifax

PureTech Systems announced today, the selection of its PureActiv wide-area video surveillance technology to be incorporated in the Halifax Port Authority Command and Control System (HPACCS). The project, valued at C$8million, has been awarded to a team that includes PureTech and is led by Ultra Electronics.

The HPACCS design provides a wide-area surveillance approach for the protection of the cargo, rail and cruise terminals within the Port of Halifax. From a common operating picture the system alerts security personnel and first responders of potential waterside and landside threats and provides policy driven instructions for addressing the threats. Threats are determined through the integration of several sensor technologies including video scene analysis, Radar, linear fence sensors, intrusion sensors, and AIS transponders.

"PureTech's PureActiv wide-area video surveillance technology is an integral part of the Port's overall command and control system. It provides key system capabilities including, land and water side object detection, object classification, geo-spatial object tracking, sensor integration, camera steering and video management. We are excited to be working with PureTech on this very important security project," comments Gord Helm, Manager, Marine Security & Cruise Operations for Halifax Port Authority.

“Sea Ports are very challenging facilities. They have huge perimeters, require landside and water side protection, and the ability to detect, identify and track targets in almost every conceivable weather condition, including snow, rain, fog, mist and high winds,” explains Larry Bowe, president of PureTech Systems. “There were many very talented teams that competed for this contract and we are pleased that the Port has chosen the solution provided by PureTech and the Ultra Electronics team to make this project a reality. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for the entire HPACCS team.”

In addition to the intelligent video scene analysis and management, which will be used to detect targets and control and manage the system’s large number of cameras, PureTech’s PureActiv solution will also provide the Network Video Recording (NVR) and forensic search capabilities of the system. Installation of the system in Nova Scotia is planned to begin immediately.