The maritime environment is a large and integral part of the transportation supply chain. Cyber security is now a huge factor in all the maritime segments along the way. Below is an awareness of potential threats and vulnerabilities.
AI-enabled efficiency - Ports are some of the most dynamic and demanding security environments in the world. Ships arrive at all hours, thousands of containers move through restricted zones daily, and multiple agencies share responsibility for safety and logistics.[1] Modern ports face dual pressures: increasing regulatory oversight and the demand for efficiency.
By combining edge computing, OCR automation and rugged design, it’s possible to advance video protection into a source for operational intelligence as well. From license plate recognition at the gate and automatically logging container weights, to the automated reading of ISO 6346 container codes on the docks, today’s AI-enabled cameras are helping maritime authorities and operators achieve new levels of compliance, efficiency and safety.
Automating port workflows - Traditional port surveillance depends heavily on manual monitoring and human verification. That model cannot keep pace with today’s flow of goods. This is where the latest AI-enabled cameras with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software are redefining the workflow.
AI-based OCR tools, such as for license plates, can run directly on AI-enabled cameras. This allows the system to extract text and numeric data at the edge, without the need to transmit full video streams to a central server. For example, this can read ISO 6346 shipping container codes, giving ports the ability to automatically identify and log every container as it enters or exits a facility. Because the OCR processing happens inside the security camera, it delivers near-instant recognition even in variable lighting or adverse weather conditions.
Combined with an intelligent search application, these readings can trigger alerts or automate workflows within a video management system (VMS). These types of integrations with leading VMS platforms allow ports to visualize, search and audit container and vehicle movements without changing their existing security infrastructure. Such workflows are a step toward a smarter port with enhanced operational efficiency where every container, vehicle and vessel movement is verified automatically, freeing personnel for higher-value tasks.
In practical terms, this kind of video and OCR capability can support a more efficient checkpoint to dock workflow without adding headcount. Capturing important data at the source validates shipments against the Terminal Operating System (TOS) and moves authorized vehicles and containers through as smoothly as possible.
A case study in port efficiency - Here’s a brief example of a modern port workflow using AI-cameras as powerful data sensors:
- Security checkpoint: Multifactor checks are performed in one pass.
- Driver identity is verified, number plates on towing vehicles and trailers are read, the container ID is captured and supporting documents such as delivery orders or bills of lading are digitized.
- Because the recognition happens in-camera, results can be validated instantly against pre-registered data in the TOS, which keeps throughput high while tightening access control.
- Weighbridge: A camera with OCR reads the LED weight display and sends the value directly into the TOS.
- Capturing weight at ingress and egress creates a defensible record, helps spot under-declared or mis-declared loads and reduces transcription errors that lead to billing disputes or customs delays.
- Container yard: Cameras mounted on forklifts or cranes capture container IDs during moves.
- When coupled with GPS or yard zone metadata, the system provides a live map of where each unit was placed.
- That improves slotting accuracy, shortens search time and supports automated reconciliation at shift change.
- Dock and breakbulk bays: In-camera damage detection analytics can document dents, corrosion, broken seals or signs of tampering before a box enters the terminal.
- Time stamped imagery linked to the manifest strengthens chain of custody and helps assign liability correctly if a claim is raised later.
Why processing at the source matters - Maritime sites are often sprawling and connected to multiple networks with varying levels of reliability. Edge processing, executing AI analytics directly on the camera, is especially important in these environments.
With powerful chipsets, OCR and object detection can be processed locally. This reduces bandwidth use and latency, ensuring that critical alerts are never delayed by internet network congestion.
Edge computing also helps with data privacy and compliance. By transmitting only light weight, low bandwidth metadata instead of full video streams, ports can maintain detailed records without exposing unnecessary personal or operational information.
Resilience in corrosive and extreme environments - Salt air, high winds and constant moisture make ports some of the most punishing environments for electronic equipment. Cameras for maritime use should be rated C5-M for heavy salt corrosion, IP66/68 for water ingress protection and IK10 for impact resistance. If cameras themselves are designed to survive the most corrosive environments, ports can depend on continuous uptime even under salt spray, wind and vibration that would quickly degrade lesser hardware.
Cybersecurity and continuity - In mission-critical facilities like ports, cybersecurity is as vital as physical protection. It’s important that cameras installed in these locations include safeguards such as secure boot technology, GlobalSign digital certificates and compliance with up to FIPS 140-3 standards. Devices should also be NDAA compliant, ensuring adherence to security requirements for cyber resilience. Having analytics operate at the edge means the data stays within the local network. This design aligns with cybersecurity best practices by reducing exposure to external threats and maintaining control of sensitive logistics data. Edge analytics also reduce the amount of sensitive data leaving the local network, supporting cybersecurity and privacy requirements.
The power of open architecture - Ports are ecosystems, not isolated installations. Customs, shipping companies, trucking fleets and security agencies often operate on different systems. Choosing an open architecture solution means disparate systems can more easily integrate and share important data when needed. Having an open AI platform allows ports to install additional analytics such as outdoor fire and smoke detection or fall detection all running simultaneously on the same device. This flexibility lets security and operations teams go beyond security and operations to include aspects of public safety for employees.
From surveillance to intelligence - Using AI-enabled security cameras allow security teams to instantly locate a vehicle or container, track its movement and correlate events across multiple zones. Operations managers gain real-time visibility into loading patterns, vehicle throughput and dwell times. With these insights, port authorities can improve scheduling, reduce congestion and respond to incidents faster. When every checkpoint generates structured data, managers gain a clear operational picture.
Access approvals, verified weights, yard moves and pre arrival damage evidence can be queried in seconds and correlated with berth schedules or carrier performance. That shortens investigations, reduces disputes and improves on-time targets without adding manual steps.
Conclusion - The future of maritime security and efficiency depends on increased automation of repetitive tasks. Security cameras that can recognize, analyze and proactively push data in real time are reshaping how ports manage both safety and logistics. The result is a new layer of connected intelligence that strengthens worker safety, compliance and efficiency across the maritime and port ecosystem.
This article is shared at no charge for educational and informational purposes only.
Red Sky Alliance is a Cyber Threat Analysis and Intelligence Service organization. We provide indicators of compromise information via a notification service (RedXray) or an analysis service (CTAC). For questions, comments or assistance, please contact the office directly at 1-844-492-7225, or feedback@redskyalliance.com
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[1] https://securityjournalamericas.com/strengthened-port-security-video/
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