Facial Biometrics at Vancouver Cruise Terminal

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has collaborated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to implement facial biometric technology at the Canada Place cruise terminal. This initiative marks the first use of such technology in a Canadian seaport for the embarkation of cruise passengers. The technology automates the manual checks of travel documents for passengers entering the U.S., like those heading to Alaska, by comparing their live photo with the one in their pre-trip documentation within seconds. Developed by Pangiam, the technology uses advanced computer vision and AI to ensure accurate, real-time facial recognition. The system takes a photo of each passenger during the boarding process, which is then matched against the photo from their travel documents. Peter Xotta, president and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, emphasized the benefits of the new system, stating that it will provide a fast, secure, and convenient experience for passengers embarking on a cruise. The technology replaces the automatic passport kiosks that were installed at Canada Place in 2015. Passengers who prefer not to use the new biometric system can opt out by informing a representative at the primary inspection point and will then undergo a manual document check. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been installing facial biometric technology at airports in the U.S. since 2019, and it is already in use at 20 U.S. cruise terminals for debarkation. The technology, which can identify passengers within two seconds, has a reported 98% accuracy rate. The integration of the technology at Canada Place is expected to significantly decrease wait times and enhance the efficiency of the boarding process for the 1.27 million passengers anticipated to visit in 2024. Multiple cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines, are also utilizing facial recognition technology to expedite the debarkation process.

Q: What is the purpose of facial biometric technology at the Vancouver cruise terminal?

A: The technology automates the manual checks of travel documents for passengers entering the U.S., comparing their live photo with the one in their pre-trip documentation within seconds.

Q: How accurate is the facial biometric technology?

A: The technology has a reported 98% accuracy rate.

Q: Can passengers opt out of using the facial biometric system?

A: Yes, passengers who prefer not to use the new biometric system can opt out by informing a representative at the primary inspection point and will then undergo a manual document check.

Q: Which cruise lines are already using facial recognition technology?

A: Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines are already utilizing facial recognition technology to expedite the debarkation process.

Q: When will facial biometric technology be introduced at all European cruise ports?

A: The European Commission will introduce biometric technology for facial and fingerprint recognition at all cruise ports beginning in October 2024.