August 17, 2005 -- According to the American Association of Port Authorities, over the next 15 years the amount of cargo handled by U.S. ports will double to 4 billion tons per year, partly due to outsourcing. This challenges the maritime industry because ports are already understaffed and receive less than 10% funding from the Transportation Security Administration’s annual budget, despite the threat of maritime terrorism. As more employees and security equipment are needed, more buildings are required.
“ At Porta-King, we are constructing buildings that serve as freestanding data centers, security and truck checkpoints ”
Although prefabricated buildings have been used at ports for a long time, their purposes keep expanding as they accommodate new security measures and technological equipment.
Gregg Pearlstone, Vice President at Porta-King (www.portaking.com), notes that assembled buildings are no longer just traditional guard booths but are complex and electronically-integrated security building systems.
“At Porta-King, we are constructing buildings that serve as freestanding data centers, security and truck checkpoints,” said Pearlstone.
According to Porta-King, many ports are adding state-of-the-art options to their buildings to make them more secure and technologically integrated. Popular features include ballistic rated construction, custom shelves and cabinets to house sophisticated security equipment, intercom systems, data ports or other specialized electronics. In addition, these custom designed units include climate control and can be equipped with pre-plumbed restrooms along with many other custom design features. Porta-King structures can also feature exterior lighting packages for increased security. Most guard buildings constructed for use at Ports or other operations located near the ocean will include roll-down shutters for protection against hurricane force winds.
As maritime traffic becomes even more congested, Pearlstone believes that Porta-King buildings are ideal because of their mobility and effective space management.
“Since American ports are so busy and have limited space, Porta-King buildings are necessary because they can easily be moved around ports. In addition, the prefabricated design enables immediate installation without the added disruptions to traffic flow associated with the construction required for a conventionally built security building,” said Pearlstone.
Porta-King has been a leader in custom-designed, pre-assembled buildings since 1969. In addition to its exterior pre-assembled buildings, Porta-King offers a full line of modular wall systems and enclosures including single and two-story designs, as well as structural steel mezzanines used for storage, production and elevated office space. Porta-King buildings provide shelter and storage solutions for virtually any working environment. For more informtion visit www.portaking.com.
