The security of sea-going vessels has acquired global significance since the attacks on September 11, 2001 because terrorist activities can also have serious consequences for sea transport. The sudden loss of many lives, the destruction of high value assets, imponderable environmental damage, far-reaching damage to the transport infrastructure and the loss of confidence in transport carriers are also major factors which need to be considered.

In order to combat this type of terrorist activity before it takes place the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) was adopted in 2004 following the efforts of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). However, security management still needs to be adapted further and fully optimized.

The joint VESPER project – improving human safety during ferry crossings – targets the issue of terrorist (asymmetric) threats during ferry crossings. It forms part of the research program of the German federal government “Forschung für die zivile Sicherheit” (Research for civil security) for the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and is integral to the protection of transport infrastructure.

The goal of the project is to systematically re-appraise existing levels of security and to improve measures for limiting risks during ferry crossings. Research is particularly focused on security when boarding vessels, on-board activities and measures on sea. A strong emphasis is placed on the deployment and expansion of surveillance and detection systems and the optimization of operational processes in the light of new technology. Another important topic is the use of decision support systems as action aids and improving emergency measures in order to minimize risks.

The efficiency of ferry access and seaward surveillance can be improved greatly by integrating new technology directly into the control process. In contrast to the one-man locks currently available the proposed new security staff assistance system is able to cope with a flow of people and should be operational as a rule or for prevention. It allows anomalies to be identified at an early stage and makes staff aware of suspicious situations. The aim is for the technology to be as unobtrusive as possible whilst maintaining a heightened level of security throughout the ferry service.

Despite improved technology, real people are still the final arbiter but they need to be given the most effective assistance possible from decision support and assistance systems. Their task is to continuously process data streams, represent information efficiently and generate proposals for action.

Partners in the Project Consortium are:

* ATLAS Maritime Security GmbH
* Fraunhofer FKIE
* Germanischer Lloyd AG
* Hochschule Wismar - , Business and Design
* Institut für Sicherheitstechnik / Schiffssicherheit e.V. (Institute for Security Technology / Safety of Ships)
* MARSI GmbH
* TU Braunschweig, Gauß-IT-Zentrum (Technical University of Braunschweig, Gauß IT Center)

Research activities are additionally supported by the following partners:

 
* Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (German Federal Maritime & Hydrographic Agency)
* Hafen- und Seemannsamt Rostock (Port Authority, Rostock)
* Landespolizeiamt Schleswig-Holstein, Behörde für Hafenanlagensicherheit (State Police Authority, Schleswig-Holstein, Authority for Port Security)
* Lübecker Hafengesellschaft mbH
* Scandlines Deutschland GmbH
* TT-Line GmbH und Co. KG
* Verband Deutscher Reeder (German Ship Owners Association)

* Verkehrsministerium Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Hafensicherheitsbehörde (Ministry of Transport, Mecklenburg-Pommerania)