A safer and smarter Port of Barcelona
As one of the leading logistics hubs in the Mediterranean, the Port of Barcelona has transformed its security operations with a unified management approach. By modernizing its infrastructure, the port has improved operational efficiency and created a safer environment for goods, passengers, and staff.
The company
The Port of Barcelona is one of Spain’s most important infrastructures, handling more than 70 million tons of cargo and receiving over 5 million passengers each year. Its continuous growth and the need to ensure efficient and secure operations led the Port Authority to implement an advanced and scalable security system.
The challenge
The Port of Barcelona had a security system that, while functional, presented technical limitations. The previous infrastructure relied on a single provider, which hindered the integration of new technologies and made interoperability with other systems difficult. This posed an operational risk, as the lack of a unified vision complicated real-time decision-making and limited response capacity to incidents.
The solution
After a rigorous public tender selection process, the Port Authority chose Genetec™ Security Center, a unified security platform that enables the centralized management of video management, access control, intrusion detection, and more. Its modular design and integration capabilities have allowed the Port Authority to modernize its infrastructure without technological limitations, ensuring a scalable solution that adapts to the port’s future needs.
The implementation began with a pilot migration using virtual servers to test the integration of cameras and software. In a short period, the port expanded its network from 180 to 530 cameras, with a projection to exceed 800 cameras in the coming years. Additionally, advanced technologies were incorporated, including access control systems, intercoms, video analytics, fire detection, and real-time monitoring.
“The flexibility and scalability of Security Center have allowed us to efficiently integrate new technologies, ensuring the port’s security and operations with a robust and easy-to-manage system.”
Dídac Höflich, ICT Infrastructure Project Manager at the Port of Barcelona
Results
The adoption of Genetec Security Center has transformed the operational management of the Port of Barcelona, delivering immediate benefits. Operators can now manage all security systems from a single platform, reducing complexity and enhancing real-time decision-making. The centralized system has improved incident detection and response, minimizing risks and increasing security across all port facilities. Furthermore, the new system has reduced maintenance costs and facilitated efficient event management for large-scale gatherings such as America’s Cup and Nadal al Port.
"Thanks to Genetec, we now have a robust, scalable, and fully integrated system that allows us to operate with greater precision and security, optimizing decision-making, and ensuring more efficient operations," says Höflich.
The success of the implementation has led the Port Authority to explore new applications of Genetec technology, including advanced license plate recognition systems to optimize internal traffic, smart dashboards that analyze usage patterns in public spaces, and the deployment of drones and IoT sensors for advanced inspections and emergency management.
The integration of Genetec Security Center has been key to the evolution of the Port of Barcelona into a safer, more efficient, and future-ready port.