Risk Assessment, Transit and Static Site Security and Support Services for Siemens in Iraq

In 2007 Siemens AG won a highly significant Government of Iraq contract to repair and refurbish several power generating plants across Iraq. Due to the extremely hazardous operating environment then prevailing in Iraq, Siemens initiated a rigorous process to identify and select a suitably qualified and experienced security provider to deliver the necessary specialist security and support services. On completion of an extensive due diligence exercise involving an examination of Erinys’ Iraq-based operations, communications infrastructure, logistic and administrative business support capability, as well as security processes and procedures, Siemens selected Erinys.

The first Siemens repair and refurbishment task at the Mussayib Power Plant, located south-west of Baghdad, involved the completion of a full threat assessment and the production of a comprehensive security operations plan, which covered all site and transit security risks. The plan covered in detail all security related contingencies, and made provision for, amongst many other key security challenges, co-ordinated responses to major incidents and the emergency evacuation of personnel.

Erinys was additionally tasked by Siemens to provide secure staging accommodation for Siemens’ engineers in Baghdad and a 12 man four armoured civilian vehicle borne Personnel Security Detail to safely transport Siemens personnel to and from the plant. Both services were provided from Erinys’ secure and fully equipped operations compound within the Baghdad International Airport complex.

For the duration of the task a fully equipped static site security guard force comprising highly experienced expatriate management and Erinys vetted and trained Iraqi guards was deployed to provide layered security. Erinys’ substantial investment and presence in Iraq coupled with wide ranging knowledge of the Iraq operating environment and understanding of the associated risks and mitigation measures facilitated the rapid production and execution of an effective and cost efficient security plan to enable Siemens to meet their contractual obligations to the Government of Iraq