Unisys in talks with govt for port security biz

US-based Unisys Corporation is in talks with Shipping Ministry to provide hi-tech security solutions to domestic ports to avoid traffic congestion, piracy threats and other mid-sea crisis.

"We are in talks with the top officials in the Shipping Ministry, all private and state-owned ports as well... We have drawn a port-security roadmap for threats and requirement in India," company's Director of Cargo and Port Security Practice Nishant Pillai said.

He added that the company will focus on vessel traffic management system (VTMS) at Indian ports, besides providing other solutions, and expect to sign a deal by March.

However, Shipping Secretary K Mohandas said, "We are taking all initiatives for port security to avoid mid-sea crisis and related problems. We will see if they can offer us better security solutions in ports across the country."

Stating that India is a very attractive market for Unisys, as about 95 per cent trade of the country moves through maritime, Pillai said that tools like VTMS are key to address traffic congestion.

Unisys is world's largest technology solution provider of international maritime and deals with cargo/port security and end-to-end logistics chain services to ports across the world.

Industry sources said that a team of experts from Unisys had visited most of the major ports in November, 2011, to find a platform in India.

India has a long coastline spanning over 7,600 km and operates 14 major ports and 118 small and medium ports, including some operated by the private sector. The long coastline and increased cargo and ship movements, also pose various safety and security threats.

In a bid to reduce the risks, last year the Centre had asked all major ports to install advanced radioactive material detectors as safety measures.