The Windsor Port Authority, one of only 17 national ports established under the 1999 Canada Marine Act, has significantly bolstered its ability to ensure safety and security along the U.S.-Canada border. This critical waterway, situated on the Detroit River, serves as a vital passage between Lake Huron and Lake Erie, accommodating between 6,000 and 9,000 cargo vessels annually. Alongside these commercial vessels, over 10,000 smaller fishing boats and recreational watercraft navigate through the port each year. With such heavy traffic, the Windsor Port Authority realized the importance of enhancing its ability to monitor the river and ensure that the waterway operates safely.
To address this challenge, Windsor Port Authority turned to cutting-edge surveillance technology from Axis Communications, combining it with radar systems from Accipiter Radar Technologies Inc. The integration of these technologies has provided the port with the comprehensive visibility needed to prevent collisions, detect illegal activities, and ultimately save lives along the river.
The Detroit River, with its dense traffic, presents unique challenges for maintaining waterway safety. A range of vessels, from large commercial ships to smaller recreational crafts, all share this narrow waterway. As a result, the Windsor Port Authority sought to improve its monitoring capabilities, and in doing so, developed an advanced surveillance solution that includes state-of-the-art cameras and radar systems.
The Role of Axis Communications and Accipiter Radar
While radar solutions from Accipiter Radar Technologies Inc. have long been used to track vessel movements along the river, they lacked the visual detail necessary for remote observation. Radar technology is instrumental in offering real-time detection of moving objects in the water, including both commercial vessels and smaller crafts, such as jet skis, as well as debris that might obstruct the waterway. However, radar alone could not provide the level of clarity and detail needed for effective situational awareness.
To overcome this limitation, the Windsor Port Authority integrated Axis Communications’ advanced bispectral cameras into the existing radar infrastructure. These cameras combine thermal detection with visual verification, enabling the port to achieve a 360-degree surveillance system capable of providing both wide-area coverage and high-definition detail. The combination of these two technologies—Accipiter’s radar and Axis’ cameras—has proved invaluable in enhancing the port’s ability to monitor activity on the water and respond to incidents in real-time.
According to Peter Berry, the Harbour Master and Vice President of Operations for Windsor Port Authority, this new surveillance solution has played a vital role in maintaining the safety of the port. Berry emphasized that the risk of severe accidents increases dramatically without detailed knowledge of traffic conditions in such a busy waterway. “Having the ability to both detect and visually confirm incidents in real-time is invaluable,” he stated. “We’ve already seen significant benefits, such as quickly rescuing drowning victims and helping to apprehend individuals involved in illegal activities like human smuggling. We’re eager to see how this technology continues to improve our operations in the future.”
Key Benefits and Use Cases
The integration of Axis cameras with Accipiter’s radar system has allowed the Windsor Port Authority to achieve a range of critical capabilities, including:
- Real-Time Obstruction Detection and Warning
In one particularly notable incident, the U.S. Coast Guard alerted the port about a vessel that had caught fire in the middle of the river. The ship, which had dropped anchor and was dead in the water, posed a serious hazard to navigation. However, thanks to the combination of radar and thermal imaging from Axis cameras, the port was able to monitor the fire on the vessel in real-time. The thermal visuals provided by the cameras allowed authorities to confirm that the fire was confined to the engine room, while also enabling the port to issue a navigational warning to other vessels in the area. This prompt response helped ensure that the incident was handled efficiently and without further harm to anyone in the vicinity. - Managing High-Risk Construction Areas
When construction on a new bridge threatened to disrupt river traffic, the Windsor Port Authority was concerned about potential risks to vessels passing through the area. The integration of radar and camera systems provided a real-time overview of the situation, helping the port manage the safe passage of vessels underneath the bridge during construction. The cameras, paired with radar tracking, allowed for precise monitoring of the waterway and ensured that traffic could continue without incident. - Faster Rescue Operations
The port’s advanced surveillance system has also been instrumental in executing timely rescue operations. In a case involving a person struggling in the water near the Ambassador Bridge, the U.S. Coast Guard contacted the port for assistance. The radar and camera technology allowed the authorities to pinpoint the exact location of the individual quickly, enabling a life-saving rescue operation. This technology has proven essential for responding to emergencies swiftly and efficiently, even in high-stress situations. - Detecting and Preventing Criminal Activity
One of the more alarming benefits of the enhanced surveillance capabilities is the ability to detect illegal activities, such as human smuggling. The combined camera-radar system has proven effective in identifying suspicious behavior on the water. In one instance, the port identified a boat that was regularly making the crossing from Windsor to Detroit under unusual circumstances. Using the radar and camera data, the port was able to flag the suspicious activity and provide the relevant information to Canadian and U.S. authorities. This led to the identification and arrest of two individuals involved in a human smuggling operation. The ability to detect and act on criminal activity quickly has undoubtedly increased the overall security of the port.
Comprehensive Coverage for Maritime Safety
According to Anthony Incorvati, the Transportation Segment Development Manager for the Americas at Axis Communications, the integration of radar and camera technology is crucial for enhancing maritime safety. “At Axis, we take pride in collaborating with organizations like Windsor Port Authority to improve marine domain awareness and enhance safety along the U.S.-Canada border,” Incorvati said. “Combining advanced camera and radar technology ensures that authorities have complete visibility, enabling them to resolve incidents swiftly and effectively.”
The powerful combination of radar and camera technology not only aids in detecting and responding to incidents but also contributes valuable data for operational improvements. For instance, the real-time insights provided by the integrated systems help authorities manage traffic more effectively, minimize the risk of accidents, and optimize the overall flow of river traffic.
The Future of Maritime Surveillance
As the Windsor Port Authority continues to embrace new technologies to improve safety and operational efficiency, it remains committed to expanding its surveillance capabilities. With advancements in camera and radar technology, the port can look forward to even greater visibility and improved situational awareness. The integration of these technologies has already proven to be a game-changer, and the port is eager to continue building on this success.
For the Windsor Port Authority, the enhanced surveillance system from Axis Communications and Accipiter Radar Technologies Inc. is not just about improving the safety of the port—it’s about safeguarding lives and ensuring the smooth operation of one of Canada’s most critical national ports. With state-of-the-art technology at its disposal, the Windsor Port is better equipped than ever to meet the challenges of modern maritime safety.
Read more: Windsor Port Authority Enhances U.S.-Canada Border Waterway Security with Axis Surveillance Tech