During the past year, there has been an increase in unannounced flight operations at the Port of Gothenburg. Something that worries the security department.
– We have a lot of drone activity in our daily operations due to projects where you want to document progress. But in order to do that, you have to apply for permission. And we have seen increased activity where you don’t do it and we have no answer as to why, says Magnus Rosenqvist, deputy security manager at the Port of Gothenburg.
The drones are described as aircraft-like craft – with a wingspan of up to three metres.
– It is technology that we have not seen before, says Magnus Rosenqvist.
The majority of the unknown activity concerns drone activity. But also strange phone calls from abroad. Where people in leadership positions get odd questions, reports DN.
Does not rule out armed attack
Now management is extra vigilant. The police have launched an investigation and have advised the Port of Gothenburg to introduce armed patrols.
– Considering the situation in the world, we feel mature to do so, says Magnus Rosenqvist.
– It is in line with other protection objects, such as Ringhals and airports, among others. So I think it is quite natural that it will also come to ports in the long run.
Gothenburg’s port is first among Sweden’s ports. Security manager Thomas Fransson speaks Swedens radio that the current situation means that at the moment “we cannot even rule out an armed attack”.
But Magnus Rosenqvist does not want to go into whether it is foreign activity.
– It is clear that it is being discussed, but much is confidential so I cannot say anything about it, he says.
“Reports everything that happens”
Right now, the Port of Gothenburg is preparing for the conversion, but it will be until February 2024 before the armed patrols are in place.
– It is clear that it is a long process, but it has just been procured. The staff must be trained and pass the necessary tests. So we are aware that it takes time and I think six months is reasonable.
How do you work with the security work while waiting for that?
– We have increased vigilance, we have security guards around the clock and we have camera surveillance. We will continue with that.
But no additional staffing has been introduced.
– We are running on normal operations at the moment. But we are more vigilant and report everything that happens to the police, says Magnus Rosenqvist.