High-tech security system to streamline container shipping
Container shipping is the backbone of international trade, a pivotal sector of the economy that requires a strong surveillance system. Such a system must include transnational regulatory, policy and standardisation recommendations to enhance container security, and the required technology and software. The EU-funded CONTAIN (Container Security Advanced Information Networking) project strove to develop such a surveillance system to support transport security stakeholders. It sought to advance cost-effective and efficient technology options for container-integrated sensor, communication and security hardware, and software technologies to monitor container movements in real time. The project involved establishing corridor container traffic maps to enhance surveillance and outline secure trade lanes between the EU and some of its trading partners. More specifically, CONTAIN developed tools and methods to increase container transportation security by integrating container security data within a unified information distribution and sharing environment. It built a comprehensive toolset and software platform that comprises both equipment and risk analysis software. To achieve its aims, the project team implemented the system in three European port cities to validate monitoring of container position, manage empty containers and further supply chain security. These demonstrations helped finalise the new risk-based approach to container targeting and scanning, including optimisation of container transport, information interoperability and exchange, and information security considerations. The CONTAIN platform connects information sources and users, offers improved positioning, incorporates eSeal technology and employs cutting-edge container security equipment. It includes high-tech means to locate containers that have been declared as empty, minimising loss of goods and foul play. The project’s results have been reported in the EU Containers Surveillance Framework and can serve as a starting point to rollout the new system. If this happens, it could streamline container traffic, improve the sector’s competitiveness and enhance global trade.
Keywords
Security, container shipping, CONTAIN, surveillance, container traffic, eSeal
