22/05/2008
Mobotix secures Panama ports
Kaiserslautern, Germany
During the initial phase, 54 Mobotix M12 IP video cameras were installed at PPC, typically at 300 feet (90 m), with
2 cameras on each crane. The multiple configuration possibilities with the Mobotix network cameras, including
single or dual lens, wide-angle or telephoto, day or low-light, provide the flexibility to deploy the same basic camera type into a wide range of specific viewing requirements with varying lighting conditions.
One of the things that impressed PPC most about Mobotix was the exceptional image quality of the video surveillance cameras. "We were used to the grainy, blurry images of the original surveillance system," said Michael
Hernandez, CIO of PPC. "When we first saw Mobotix camera images, they were so clear it was like watching a
DVD. That sort of quality has become an absolute necessity in our industry."
PPC had particular concerns related to the weather conditions of a tropical coastal environment: salty air, frequent winddriven rain, intense heat and humidity. Mobotix cameras are built to withstand extreme environmental conditions: from -30° to +60°C (-22° to +140°F). There is no worry about deterioration due to salt air, camera lenses fogging up or the system getting rain or heat damage.
The fact that Mobotix cameras have both audio and video features is a big advantage for PPC. "We don't just
need to see what's going on, we need to hear it as well," said Michael Hernandez. "Our overall security and safety is dependent on having both these features." Mobotix cameras can also trigger audio alarms that warn individuals to stay away from dangerous areas. The audio feature also allows PPC to communicate directly with an employee, if they are spotted in danger. The dual lens feature of Mobotix cameras serves PPC's need to cover very large areas. It is essentially like having two HiRes mega pixel cameras for the price of one with the added advantage of being able to see a much wider area.
For PPC, using Mobotix technology means not only a much higher level of safety and security, but the reduction in
the number of cameras required combined with reduced storage requirements and the fact that Mobotix systems
need no additional software and are license free also add up to a substantial overall cost savings to PPC. Thanks to
the high level of satisfaction with the Mobotix cameras, Hutchison Port Holdings intend to install an additional 400
over the next few months.