DALLAS, TX /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AXCESS International Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: AXSI.OB), a leading provider of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), solutions today announced that the Port of Bridgetown in Barbados, one of the leading ports in the Caribbean, awarded the Company a $2 million contract for an integrated RFID and sensor system that will be deployed to enhance security measures in preparation of the Cricket World Cup 2007. The system includes AXCESS' unique ActiveTag technology and infrastructure; wireless sensors; and underwater cameras that work in concert to detect and manage security threats.
The ActiveTag technology is designed to dramatically increase security coverage at the Port by automating the capture of a broad collection of real-time security information. The system has the capability for real time processing of the data, which enables automatic delivery of exception-based alerts for security personnel. The system is currently being installed and is expected to be completed in phases over the first half of 2007.
"Barbados Port Inc. has a history of high quality operations," said Everton Walters, Managing Director and CEO of Barbados Port Inc. "We are expanding and it became apparent we needed to deploy the most modern of security tools to provide the necessary coverage and level of security. This system will leverage our security resources substantially leading up to and during the Cricket World Cup 2007 this spring and well into the future."
"We are bringing together the very latest in sensor detection capabilities and integrating them in an intelligent, automated system," said Allan Griebenow, president and CEO at AXCESS. "With broad coverage and the ability to analyze the information electronically in real time, security personnel are able to respond to exception-based alerts making them more productive and better prepared to address modern day threats."
The Port of Bridgetown is a general services port, managed and operated by the Barbados Port Inc. as a commercial enterprise geared to market forces through competitive pricing and effective services. There is a strong tradition of stability in the social and political climate of Barbados; with the second oldest Parliament in the Western Hemisphere, Barbados is a democratic nation. The Port operates through a highly skilled labor force trained to international standards. The labor relations department and the labor force, work together as partners with Port management.
A major program of expansion has been under way to ensure the port's continuing status as "best in class," and integrating AXCESS' ActiveTag technology will bolster the Port's existing security making it more secure and safer than ever. The project follows a special study in the 1990s, which indicated that the Port of Bridgetown could be an engine for national economic growth by generating more cargo and tourism traffic. The port is already a key player in the local economy, providing the island with a commercial lifeline to the rest of the world. For greater efficiency and safety of port operations, the port was divided into four main zones for cruise ship handling, cargo handling, bulk handling and leisure craft accommodation. The main approach channel and the inner harbor were dredged to allow larger cruise ships like the 'Adventure of the Seas' and the 'Queen Mary 2' to call at Bridgetown. The cargo handling area in the main port was expanded by some 9 acres. The existing facilities have undergone major renovation and reconstruction. Finally, a new pier will accommodate two large cruise ships simultaneously and will provide extra capacity to handle the expected rise in cruise arrivals. The two berths will boost the port's daily passenger handling capacity by about 8,000. This will also allow the port to continue to separate its cruise and cargo handling operations in the interests of passenger safety. The new system was designed to work in concert with the zonal concept and the existing Port security and growth plans.
About AXCESS International Inc.
AXCESS International Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: AXSI) , headquartered in greater Dallas, TX, provides Enterprise Dot, Dual-Active RFID (radio frequency identification) and Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) for asset management, physical security, sensing and supply chain efficiencies. The battery-powered (active) RFID tags locate, identify, track, monitor, count, and protect people, assets, inventory, and vehicles. The patented technology enables applications including: automatic "hands-free" personnel access control, automatic vehicle access control and logistics management, automatic asset management, and sensor management. AXCESS is a portfolio company of Amphion Innovations plc. Additional information on AXCESS is available on the Company's Web site.