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The Port Authority of Las Palmas (Canary Islands) has installed the first of two automated border control containers at the Cruise Terminal in Las Palmas, marking a further step in the modernization of passenger processing infrastructure. The project forms part of the implementation of the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which are designed to automate entry and exit procedures for non-EU nationals while enhancing security and improving the passenger experience.
The newly installed unit, located at the Cruise Pier, is equipped with eight self-service registration kiosks that will operate alongside existing manual border control procedures. A second container is scheduled to complement the facility as part of the broader deployment programme.
The initiative is being carried out under a cooperation agreement between Puertos del Estado and Spain's State Secretariat for Security, supporting the rollout of EES and ETIAS infrastructure across Spanish ports. Through this investment, the Port Authority is aligning its facilities with European strategies for smart border management and digital transformation.
According to Port Authority President Beatriz Calzada, the installation represents an important milestone in the modernization of the port system. She indicated that the new facilities would strengthen the Port of Las Palmas' role as a strategic gateway to the Schengen Area while supporting more efficient passenger processing and enhanced security controls for international traffic.
The contract for the supply, installation and maintenance of the automated border control equipment was awarded to Thales-TIS for EUR 1.2 million, excluding IGIC. Funding is being provided through the European Internal Security Fund, which is contributing to both the acquisition of the equipment and its long-term maintenance.
Beyond the two border control containers, the project includes the deployment of registration and verification tablets at the ports of Las Palmas, Arrecife and Puerto del Rosario, the installation of video surveillance systems, upgraded telecommunications infrastructure linking the National Police border control facilities with the Cruise Terminal, as well as new signage and passenger information systems.
Once fully operational, the EES platform will electronically record the entry and exit data of travellers from third countries, supporting more efficient migration management, faster passport control procedures and enhanced protection of the European Union's external borders. The system is also intended to assist authorities in preventing and investigating serious criminal activity, including terrorism.
To support passengers using the new technology, the Port Authority has additionally awarded a contract to Activa Forum Canarias to provide assistance and information services at control points. The service, which commenced operations in May, is designed to help travellers navigate the automated systems and improve queue management during periods of high passenger traffic. The contract is also partially financed through European funding.
Fuente: Cruise Mapper
