Port facilities are widely acknowledged as being a high-risk and fast-paced working environment, with dock work representing one of the most hazardous roles in the freight industry. Faced with large vehicles and equipment operating at speed to meet tight turnround times, often in poor weather conditions and at night, the threats are severe. As part of a commitment to operational safety and performance, ports on the Irish Sea are increasingly focusing on digital transformation to help eliminate fatalities and serious injuries.
THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM
In June last year, the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) claimed that over 500 dockworkers have been killed while loading or unloading freight since 2000. In 2024, the UK port sector reported two deaths, while the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and Irish dock workers union SIPTU made urgent calls in 2019 for better worker protection in Ireland’s ports after a spate of fatal incidents.
Two causes are claimed to account for half of all fatalities – crushing by cargo and vehicle-pedestrian collisions. Crushing deaths involve cargo falling, shifting, or overturning, while collisions typically involve stevedores who work in close proximity to heavy-duty vehicles and handling equipment that have multiple blind spots. The frequency of these incidents highlights the critical need for comprehensive safety strategies that mitigate port risk.
GROWING PORT DIGITISATION
Irish ports have experienced significant growth in recent years with rapidly expanding trade volumes. This has led operators to accelerate modernisation programmes including the digitisation of the port environment to tackle capacity, congestion, safety, security and efficiency challenges. Video telematics is now supporting this process by not only boosting safety, but also contributing to a reduction in delays, equipment downtime and associated costs. It is also achieving operational efficiencies through a better understanding of the port side asset movement and activity.
Doyle Shipping Group (DSG) undertook a comprehensive safety review of its operation at Dublin Port in 2021, with the aim of creating the most technologically advanced terminal in Ireland using cutting-edge safety innovations. The resulting digital strategy targeted the adoption of eight safety aids, including a multi-camera system, for equipment operating at the site that would reduce collisions, protect those working at the terminal, and deliver key learnings that support continuous improvement. In the past two years, DSG has reduced serious incidents at the terminal by 35% and it is believed that the multi-camera system has made a significant contribution to this improvement.
DSG initially adopted a 4-camera system that could be adapted for a wide range of equipment at the Dublin terminal including 44 terminal tractors, as well as 16-tonne forklifts and reach stackers. Following the success of the solution, DSG rolled out the technology to 14 rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes that was adapted to meet the unique operating requirements of container handling. The camera system is used alongside other digital safety tools including a RTG laser-based collision prevention system.
Meanwhile, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail identified the need for a sophisticated multi-camera solution to support its commitment to health and safety as part of a major IT project to create an integrated software management solution to streamline all aspects of port operations. The adopted video telematics system is making it possible to target and achieve tangible results across safety, efficiency and productivity, as well as minimise the impact of extensive construction work taking place at the port. In particular, it is using the system to monitor traffic flows on-site and adjust freight movements based on real-world understanding.
TARGETING CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
The integration of video telematics into port operations is more than just an upgrade in technology; it represents an ongoing safety commitment that requires the buy-in of all stakeholders. Therefore, it requires close and upfront collaboration with drivers, dock workers and their unions to communicate the use and benefits of the technology, gain backing and address any privacy concerns.
For DSG, an important part of its strategy was to create a positive safety culture that encourages drivers to report collisions, improve behaviour, and play a role in targeting ongoing progress. This has only been achieved by using a non-punitive approach that looks to learn from incidents and reward improvements. The camera system is used primarily to protect and safeguard employees, with the findings of any investigation used to underpin future engagement, training and education.
MITIGATING RISK AND BOOSTING SAFETY
Video telematics is enabling drivers to conduct their daily duties more safely by increasing the overall view around port vehicles. This improved visibility provides added protection and peace of mind to a wide range of people working on the dockside, especially banksmen and stevedores who work near the terminal tractors. Meanwhile, port and terminal operators can download incident footage and supporting data to support prompt investigation and identify contributing factors.
Stena Line installed a customised multi-camera system on over 100 terminal tractors, buses and luggage vans within its Irish Sea operation that was designed to provide the highest levels of safety, visibility and safeguarding. The camera system has contributed to the robustness of internal investigations, enabling it to build a complete picture of what has taken place, validate witness statements, and better manage any required action. Using insight taken from these investigations, compliance of safety procedures is assessed and where possible measures introduced to avoid any recurrence of an event, contributing to improved safety behaviours amongst drivers, stevedores and ferry crews.
With multiple vehicles operating around the ports, it is also possible for Stena Line to use video telematics to pinpoint where each vehicle is located at the time of an incident to see if the event was captured from a different angle. The video telematics solution has also been used alongside port CCTV systems to gain an added perspective when investigating security incidents.
Elsewhere, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail rolled out a multi-camera system across a fleet of 20 terminal tractors operating at Rosslare Europort that are involved in the loading and unloading of both ro-ro and con-ro units between vessels and storage terminal. The solution is helping to enhance driver behaviour and embed responsible working practices across the port, while enabling the port operator to target continuous improvement of control measures and operating procedures by understanding exactly what has occurred. It has also provided the means to confirm liability and keep any associated claims costs to a minimum.
EVOLVING TELEMATICS TECHNOLOGY
Video telematics has long been used within the logistics sector to mitigate fleet risk, enhance road safety and target operational cost savings. The adoption within the port sector has been much slower and more recent, with opposition from unions and staff playing a role in this. However, we are seeing bespoke solutions coming to market that meet the precise safety needs of the dockside, which are being rolled out as part of wider digital strategies.
For example, we have developed a robust multi-camera system specifically for terminal tractors, which can cover the front, off-side and near-side as well as the vehicle controls. The near-side device is fitted lower, over the wheel arch, to provide a clear view of the fifth wheel, underneath the trailer and the trailer leg. A wireless magnetic camera can also be located on the trailer to provide an additional rear-view. All footage is available to the driver in real-time via an in-cab monitor, with HD clarity and night vision providing optimal visibility 24/7 in all weather conditions.
Looking ahead, emerging telematics innovation will further enhance safety and risk reduction in the port environment. AI-powered detection systems, such as VRU (Vulnerable Road User) cameras, will actively identify stevedores and other personnel in blind spots, providing drivers with real-time audible and visual warnings to prevent collisions. Meanwhile, sensor integration will enable operators to take a multi-layered approach to safety that creates a shield around workers and equipment.
Video telematics represents a potential gamechanger for the port sector by mitigating the impact of dockside risk and helping to ensure that everyone gets home safe. What has been shown is the huge opportunity for safety improvements as part of a managed digital transformation, while also delivering wider productivity, efficiency and security gains.