Product Spotlight – FLIR

January 24, 2025

How DP World Yarimca relies on FLIR Security Solutions for efficient and secure port security operations

DP World Yarimca, one of the largest container terminals of the Gulf of İzmit and Turkey, is a strong proponent of using industry-leading technology to deliver unrivaled value to its customers and partners. As the port is growing, DP World Yarimca needs to continue to provide uninterrupted operations and a high level of security.

To address these challenges, DP World Yarimca has embraced innovative technological products, including FLIR’s comprehensive portfolio of security monitoring solutions.

Challenges Faced by DP World Yarimca

Illegal Fishing and Mussel Poaching: Mussels are growing abundantly on the piles that support the port’s berths. This is a main attraction for mussel poachers. Not only is this activity illegal, but it also poses a serious safety risk for poachers as well as for people who are legally active in the port. Harvesting the mussels could also damage the port’s cathodic protection system, a system that prevents corrosion on submerged and underground metallic structures. “Mussel poachers prevent us from efficiently monitoring our port activity and they potentially interrupt our operations,” says Ismail Karaçam, HSSE Manager at DP World Yarimca.

Delays in Vessel Maneuvering: In addition, illegal hunters and divers can enter the vessel maneuvering areas and cause delays in the berthing and departure of vessels. This can cause disruptions in the supply chain.

Finding the Right Port Security Monitoring Solution

The port security team scanned the market for new technology and learned about FLIR’s visible and thermal security monitoring portfolio through Turkish distributor and integrator IRMARINETECH. “We had successfully completed port security projects in Turkey before,” says Koray Serbest, founder of IRMARINETECH. “This already instilled confidence with the team of DP World that we could meet their needs. After convincing product demonstrations and proofs of concepts, DP World Yarimca decided to collaborate with us and FLIR.”

FLIR’s thermal and visible camera systems have revolutionized DP World Yarimca’s approach to port security. These advanced technologies empower the port’s security team to monitor illegal activities during nighttime, inclement weather conditions, and from extended distances.

Monitoring Activities at Sea and at Night

The FLIR M232 marine thermal camera improves safety by revealing vessels and obstacles at night: “The illegal fishermen and divers had proven to be very resourceful in their activities,” says Ismail Karaçam. “One of their tactics was to paint their boat black, so they were invisible at night for our current camera systems. That’s when we knew we needed thermal camera technology. With the thermal cameras from FLIR, we can now monitor any illegal activity at night, in challenging weather conditions like rain or fog, and from a long distance.”

Detection of Intruders and Man Overboard Situations

FLIR onboard analytics on the FC-Series ID can recognize intruders, while ignoring harmless activity from animals or wind-blown foliage.

To monitor the port’s 800-meter shoreline and activities up to 200 meters out to sea, the port invested in FLIR’s thermal cameras, including the FC-Series ID analytical camera, the Saros dome camera, and the M232 pan/tilt marine thermal camera. The port operators now have a 24/7 view on intruders at sea, but they also use the cameras to monitor for man overboard situations and oil spills. The port’s security patrols also make use of a FLIR Scion thermal handheld camera to detect fishermen and divers hiding under the rocks, who enter under the berth in complete darkness.

Perimeter Security and Container Area Monitoring

FLIR Quasar panoramic and PTZ cameras: A combination of thermal and visible cameras, like the FLIR Quasar panoramic and PTZ cameras, are used to monitor the site’s perimeter security as well as the activities inside the container area.

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