Port of Virginia testing biometric access control features

The Port of Virginia has revealed that its IT and operations teams have been testing existing biometric-based access control features present in the individual gate lanes at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) main truck interchange. NIT is the port’s 567-acre facility in Norfolk.

After a driver swipes their Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card, a biometric reader illuminates, indicating the need to place a finger on the scanner. A successful fingerprint scan will lift the gate arm, granting access to the terminal. Unsuccessful scans may be repeated or a driver can use the kiosk call button to request further assistance. During this testing phase, additional IT/ops personnel will be on-hand, monitoring the flow through NIT’s gate lanes.

The testing of this biometric technology will be expanded to multiple lanes in the coming weeks to provide a higher level of safety and security at the terminal and improve velocity through the gates.

Article Topics

access control  |  biometrics  |  fingerprint authentication  |  port security