General Dynamics Mission Systems–Italy was selected to provide the Port Special Systems (PSS) for “Phase 1 of the Khalifa Port” in Abu Dhabi, including design, procurement, integration and installation of the telecommunications, security and control systems and infrastructure for the onshore and offshore areas of new Khalifa Port.

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Italy has been subcontracted by local Abu Dhabi group Al Jaber-Global Intelligent Systems JV (Al Jaber-GIS JV) to provide the Port Special Systems (PSS) for Phase 1 of the Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates.

The PSS project includes design, procurement, integration and installation of the telecommunications, security and control systems for the onshore and offshore areas of Khalifa Port and forms part of a contract awarded to Al Jaber-GIS JV by ADPC (Abu Dhabi Ports Company) in 12th May 2010.

Strategically located between the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Khalifa Port, will be one of the largest container and industrial ports in the region providing sea access to Kizad (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi) which covers some 417 kms with infrastructure work for the first phase of some 51 sq kms due for completion in 2012. Located beside the strategically important Taweelah Power Station and including Emirates Aluminium as an anchor tenant, Kizad is a key location for Abu Dhabi’s economy, making it easy for global industry to do business in the emirate. It will combine world-class infrastructure, multimodal transport and a wide range of features to improve business efficiency.

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Italy’s solution will consist of the latest technology in the market to ensure that Khalifa Port is one of the most technologically advanced ports in the world and will meet the International Security Port Standards (ISPS), required for countries that wish to trade with the US.

The system architecture is based on a POS (Port Operating System) that, operating as a system of systems, will collect and collate information and data feeds from all the other subsystems (control, communications and security) thus providing this data via a user-friendly interface to operators and simplifying the work they need to do to keep such a site secure.

The POS and all subsystems will be tailor-made by General Dynamics Mission Systems–Italy for KPIZ and will secure jetties, over 100 onshore and offshore buildings and the 12 km perimeter of the port zone.

It will do this by networking the control, communications and security subsystems into one interoperable system of systems delivering a complete solution. Hence, every component of each subsystem will contribute to the overall operating picture of Khalifa Port. Such components will include the navigational aids, vessel traffic and vehicle monitoring and building management of the control system; the PA/VA (voice and announcement), fire alarm system, the Tetra private mobile radios, the internal PABX, WLAN and LAN of the telecoms system; and the intrusion detection system equipped with customised video analytics and long range infra-red cameras, gate management and screening of the security system.