Port Security Barrier Technology

The Port Security Barrier System is a fencing barrier system designed to protect ships and port facilities. The system consists of a floating fence constructed of a synthetic net with a steel base, and is moored with deadweight anchors. The barriers can have a gate, or multiple gates, that can be opened and closed by security personnel. From concept to steel prototype, the process for the current barrier design took approximately eight months. NFESC tested the barrier designs in wave tanks at the U.S. Naval Academy, building 1:56 and 1:10 scale models in which the barriers were put through the worst-case environmental conditions. A full-scale test with a 38 foot remote control boat was used, and the data was studied carefully using numerical modeling techniques. The net result was a demonstrated effectiveness against high-speed boats, and proven in-water operational performance with a simple, low cost design. Each fence is specifically designed for each location. It rises eight feet above the water surface. HOI will continue to modify and improve this technology to create the best port barrier system available.