Felixstowe’s ticket to RHIDES

The port has introduced a number of measures to tighten security and access control to its terminals, as a requirement of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. Hauliers account for some 4,000 movements in and out of Felixstowe each day, and the port has consulted widely with shipping lines, haulage companies and hauliers’ associations to determine the best method of monitoring this traffic.

The cards store the driver’s name and a biometric hand-scan as a means of identification. On arrival, the driver inserts the card into a reader and places his hand on a biometric scanner. If the details are valid, he is allowed to proceed. Importantly, says the port, the cards do not increase processing time for hauliers and they are not charged for registering their drivers.

Chris Lewis, CEO of parent company Hutchison Ports (UK) Ltd, said: “We are pleased with the positive response that we have received from hauliers towards the introduction of identity cards. It is important that the Port looks at innovative ways of improving its security to key areas such as the terminals, and the RHIDES initiative is a major step forwards in helping to ensure that it is as safe and secure as possible.”