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Analysts at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) have delivered expert advice to officials at the Port of Dover to improve the busiest port in Britain’s ability to meet its security requirements during the busy Olympic period.

Anticipating challenging increases in traffic volume, Dstl was funded to assess how effective a range of options would be in improving vehicle screening capacity while maintaining high security standards.

Dstl analysts built computer simulation models of the security procedures at the port. Using these models, the analysts were able to determine the inventions required to achieve the necessary extra capacity. The results of the analysis enabled the port to maximise efficiency and cost-effectiveness while delivering a thorough, effective vehicle screening process.

Dstl’s analysis has, for the first time, provided an objective, quantitative assessment of the capabilities of the current screening system. With the Olympic period at a successful end, the Port of Dover now plans to use the findings to inform a review of its security processes.

The work formed part of a wider effort from Dstl to support the London 2012 Olympic Games, and was the latest element of a long-standing programme of analytical support provided by Dstl to the Department for Transport (DfT). This work has continued to highlight the benefits that analysis can provide to decision makers, including reduced operational risk, reduced cost and more evidence-based decision making.

Dstl technical lead Dr Michael Hill says: “We spent a lot of time assessing the processes that the Port already had and explored how best to allocate resources and optimise facilities to improve capacity.

“The Port of Dover welcomed our findings and implemented the recommendations. Although our primary focus was the Olympics, I’m very pleased that the results will continue to provide benefit for the longer term.”

Sam Grindrod, Terminal Control Officer at the Port of Dover, says: “The study gave us so much more than what was initially expected; it will help us in improving our processes and planning in the port. We’re extremely impressed with the work of Dstl in producing the study and the manner in which they explained their findings. We hope this is a start to working more closely with Dstl and DfT in improving the security and operational issues within the maritime sector.”