Eurotunnel deploying biometric border technology developed by IN Groupe

Eurotunnel and IN Groupe, formerly Imprimerie Nationale, have signed a partnership agreement to deploy facial recognition technology at Eurotunnel’s terminals, making it easier for passengers holding biometric passports to cross the border. Eurotunnel is the operator of the Channel Tunnel and car and coach shuttle services across the English Channel between Folkestone, UK and Calais, France.

Coach passengers will be the first to use the facial recognition PARAFE gates starting in April. Two sets of nine PARAFE gates, five for departures and four for arrivals, with facial recognition technology will be installed in France and the UK to speed up and secure the border crossing. Later phases will focus on equipment for Eurotunnel’s Flexiplus services and then a broader roll out.

“In the context of Brexit, Eurotunnel and IN Groupe have taken the lead regarding the important issues of safety and fluidity,” commented Xavier Bertrand, President of the Hauts-de-France region. “This technology does not replace people but allows us to face new challenges and to save time. The Hauts-de-France region is ready, thanks to Imprimerie Nationale technology which will help passengers. It is tried and tested technology: it provides safety and comfort.”

Jacques Gounon, chairman and CEO of Getlink, said: “By becoming the first terminal on the Short Strait to be equipped with facial biometric recognition technology, Eurotunnel again demonstrates shows its mission to enable easier and faster travel for its customers.”

“We are proud to equip the first non-airport border crossing point in Europe,” added Didier Trutt, chairman and CEO of IN Groupe.

IN Groupe has partnered with Gunnebo on this land border project. Gunnebo is a global security solutions provider headquartered in Sweden which in November won an order for biometric pre-security access gates for Korea Airport Corporation.

Article Topics

biometric passport  |  border management  |  Eurotunnel  |  facial recognition  |  France  |  Getlink  |  Gunnebo  |  IN Groupe  |  UK