Port Fourchon Implements Command & Control System

(GALLIANO, LA) – The Greater Lafourche Port Commission announces the successful installation of its new state-of-the-art Command and Control C-4 software solution.

The Greater Lafourche Port Commission today announced the successful installation of a state-of-the-art software system that seamlessly integrates port-wide command, control, and communications functions. The system is installed at the Port Operations Office in Port Fourchon and the GLPC Administration Office in Galliano, and it permits interactive information sharing between the two facilities.

The new system combines a wide range of information, including vessel AIS traffic feeds, LA DOTD camera systems, Dynamic Messaging signs, and infrastructure databases, into a single integrated command console that includes a touch screen interface. From this console the operator can identify and manage events that could affect port operations, allocate resources that could prevent/mitigate consequences, and coordinate multi-agency responses. “Once the Command and Control system is fully implemented,” said Port Fourchon Harbor Police Chief Jon Callais, “Harbor Police officers will have access, literally at their fingertips, to information vital to their duties in securing the port.”

April Danos, Director of Information Technology at GLPC, attended the Defense Industrial Base Critical Infrastructure Protection Conference in 2009, where the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense & America’s Security Affairs (OASD (HD&ASA)) offered to extend the capabilities of the KDAS system for port-wide utilization in Port Fourchon.

The system uses technologies embodied in the Department of Defense Knowledge Display and Aggregation System (KDAS). Recognizing the importance of identifying and addressing threats to port security, Port Fourchon took the initiative to further secure itself with KDAS technology via funding through a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the LA Department of Transportation. This technology allows the port to discover threats and vulnerabilities more decisively and accurately than previous systems permitted. It enables focused preparation and protection strategies and effective law enforcement and emergency response actions. Mr. Chett Chiasson, Director of Port Fourchon, commented, “Given the strategic importance of Port Fourchon to maintaining national security, we are proud to be a leader in implementing this cutting edge technology for use by state agencies.”

The Greater Lafourche Port Commission was established by the state of Louisiana in 1960 and exercises jurisdiction over an area of Lafourche Parish south of the Intracoastal Waterway, including Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport. The new Command and Control system is part of an ongoing initiative to improve security and operations through technological enhancements.

The system utilizes an open framework for data integration and the operational sharing of information, and it was designed by Priority 5 Holdings. Planned future enhancements include the integration of NOAA and Virtual Louisiana products, hurricane tracking and forecast tools, and other port sensor systems.

 

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