A dockside safety system that provides terminal tractor drivers with a near-seamless view of their vehicle’s blind spots has earned its developer a Safety Innovation Award from UK Ports, the trade authority responsible for supporting and advancing the ports and maritime industry. Camera Telematics received the special accolade at the UK Ports Seawork Exhibition 2026, held from 9 to 11 June at Mayflower Park in Southampton, in recognition of the technology’s contribution to reducing risk in the port environment.
The award forms part of the wider UK Ports Innovation Awards, a programme that celebrates excellence across port management, innovation, technology and sustainability. Bill Anderson, Managing Director of UK Ports, said the organisation had given Camera Telematics the honour specifically for its efforts to drive port safety through innovation. “This commitment to reducing dockside risk represents an important element of the digital transformation process,” he explained. UK Ports also notes that Anderson serves as Chief Executive Officer and Ports & Marine Director of the authority, and that the digitalisation of port operations is a growing priority across the industry with technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and advanced sensor systems being adopted to improve safety and efficiency.
Multi-camera system for terminal tractors
Camera Telematics’ advanced safety solutions are now in use at eight ports across the UK and Ireland. The centrepiece of the offering is a multi-camera system designed specifically for terminal tractors. It covers the front, off-side and near-side of the vehicle, as well as the vehicle controls. The near-side device is mounted lower, over the wheel arch, to provide a clear view of the fifth wheel, the area underneath the trailer and the trailer leg. A wireless magnetic camera can also be attached to the trailer itself, giving drivers an additional rear view. All footage is displayed on an in-cab monitor with HD clarity and night vision, ensuring optimal visibility around the clock and in all conditions.
The system has already been adopted by Stena Line, the global ferry operator, which deployed Camera Telematics’ technology across more than 100 terminal tractors, buses and luggage vans at five of its UK and Irish ports: Fishguard, Belfast, Birkenhead and Cairnryan. The rollout followed a successful trial at Dublin Port and uses the iC360 connected mobile digital video recorder with a one‑terabyte hard drive. Stena Line reports that the system has streamlined incident investigation, safeguarded staff and visitors, and reduced fleet and operational risk, contributing to improved safety behaviours and a decline in vehicle-related incidents.
Camera Telematics brings more than four decades of expertise in camera technology to port operations, and its tailored telematics solutions are also deployed in airports, roadside maintenance and freight. The company says its systems improve safety, protect assets and maximise efficiency, with benefits that include enhanced health and safety, driver education, duty of care compliance and asset protection.
AI and sensor integration on the horizon
Looking ahead, Camera Telematics is developing further layers of protection. Errin McNamee, Director at the company, said the firm is “constantly exploring new ways to enhance safety and risk reduction in the port environment”. He outlined plans for AI-powered detection systems that will soon be able to identify stevedores and other personnel in blind spots, providing drivers with real-time audible and visual warnings to prevent collisions. In addition, sensor integration will allow operators to take a multi-layered approach that creates a protective shield around workers and equipment. This mirrors broader trends in the maritime sector, where AI-powered surveillance, predictive maintenance and laser sensor technologies such as LiDAR are increasingly being used to anticipate hazards and prevent accidents.
McNamee added that the company was “absolutely delighted” to win the award, which he said recognises the “huge strides” Camera Telematics is making within the port sector. “Our aim is to use the latest advances in video telematics and fleet technology to mitigate the impact of dockside risk and help to ensure that everyone gets home safe,” he concluded. Camera Telematics’ systems are now operational at eight ports across the UK and Ireland, with Stena Line alone deploying the technology on more than 100 vehicles at five terminals.
