Alabama State Port Authority has recently awarded a $2.2 million contract to Adesta, LLC to enhance security at the Port of Mobile. Adesta will design, build and install a video analytics-based intrusion detection system for the Port’s McDuffie Coal Terminal, one of the largest coal terminals in the country. The systems integrator company responded to a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Port of Mobile, and won the contract after much consideration.

The system will protect against intrusion or invasion and restrict personnel to designated areas. The security measures include video analytics for intrusion detection and monitoring vessel traffic as well as a wireless communications link to the Port Police building, allowing police officers to remotely monitor the facility and recognize threats from a central location. These features will promote overall security and ensure continued safe and efficient Port operations. The system also includes servers to backup security information.

“We are pleased to be working with Adesta on this project and are looking forward to integrating these enhancements into our security system and bringing our coal terminal online,” said Hal Hudgins, vice president of planning and security for the Alabama State Port Authority. “This addition will complete our planned electronic surveillance package,” Hudgins said.

“The security system that Adesta is installing will provide the Alabama State Port Authority a higher level of protection as well as better control of the facility,” said Bob Sommerfeld, president of Adesta. “The physical surroundings of the McDuffie Coal Terminal will present a unique set of installation challenges that Adesta is prepared for and will excel at.”

The project is now 40% complete and is right on target in terms of deadline. Expiration dates of grants awarded by the state create a tight budget for Adesta to follow. The project has a completion date of December 2006.