VTT leads US$13.2 million project to boost Oulu Port’s security and resilience

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, in collaboration with Oulu Port and 20 other partners, has launched a three-year international project aimed at strengthening security and situational awareness in critical cyber-physical systems.

Given the complex structure of ports, with multiple operators and security challenges, the initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring resilience. Ports serve as vital transportation hubs, making security a top priority.

“In today’s world, where hostile events are constantly unfolding, the emphasis on secure situational awareness has never been greater,” noted Juhani Latvakoski, Principal Scientist and project lead from VTT.

Latvakoski went on to say: ” Ensuring digital trust and security for the protection of critical cyber-physical systems, along with fostering situational awareness, appears to be an effective way to build resilience. The port serves as an excellent testing ground, mirroring a miniature society with its diverse and complex operations.”

With a total budget of US$13.2 million, the project is funded by participating organizations, international public research funders, and Business Finland. The initiative focuses on developing a secure situational awareness framework that enhances trust and resilience, ensuring the port can withstand and recover from cyber and physical threats.

The Port of Oulu plays a key role in testing and implementing these advanced security solutions. The port’s real-time situational and condition data are essential for its ecosystem and stakeholders.

As 90% of Finland’s exports pass through ports, this project also has significant implications for Northern Finland’s supply chains.

“We are developing a digital twin of the port area using various sensors, detectors, and radars,” pointed out Soila Riutta, Development Manager at Oulu Port.

Riutta explained: “Innovative tracking and identification systems for port area traffic are of particular interest. New technologies provide opportunities, but a current challenge is that they primarily operate as separate applications. In this project, our goal is to create a comprehensive situational overview, particularly for managing safety and critical incidents.”

The initiative aims to develop cutting-edge security solutions that can be applied to various critical cyber-physical systems, starting with Oulu Port.

Participating companies will conduct research, develop new technologies, and pilot their solutions within the port ecosystem, fostering collaboration and driving international growth. The ultimate goal is to create export-ready security technologies while enhancing the resilience of port operations.

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