Final Report Summary - ISOTRACK II (ISO Shipping Container Tracking and Monitoring System Demonstration Project)
Executive Summary:
ISOTRACK II Publishable Summary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoSY4MdZqmk
ISOTRACK II follows on from ISOTRACK, our successful FP7 proof of concept project, which developed an innovative dielectric composite door, transparent to radiofrequency with an onboard satellite tracking navigation system and RF beacons allowing it to telemeter its position and cargo status to the operator or relevant authorities. The central objective of the ISOTRACK II project was to build and demonstrate a full size pre-commercial demonstration rig capable of being fitted to newly manufactured ISO shipping containers or retrofitted to existing containers.
During ISOTRACK II we were able to demonstrate how the doors and tracking system works during the full logistics cycle including legs both on land and at sea. The ‘smart’ composite container door replaces steel container doors, can also include a range of sensors including temperature and CO2. In combination, these can contribute to the detection of security issues including alerting controllers to the possible presence of explosives, human or animal intruders. Sensors can also assist in climate control and notification of potential issues with temperature in the transport of perishable goods. A wireless mesh networking infrastructure enables container connectivity whilst on board container liners or in port terminals. All electronics including antennas are integrated and encapsulated within the door making it robust and unobtrusive. The sensing and tracking electronics provides the following functionality:
• Accurate, real time position data of the container
• Detection of door opening
• Sensing presence of humans (theft and stowaways)
• Sensing of chemical explosives
• Detection of radioactivity (potential material for radiological dispersal devices)
The developments pushed the envelope of the state of the art through the following steps:
• Higher security reducing inventory theft
• Higher security levels to reduce/prevent human and other illicit traffic
• Less time checking containers at borders and ports
• Lower insurance costs for pre-classified hi-integrity/secure units
• More time/resources to spend on other identified less secure containers
• Less health and injury risk for everyone involved in the transport operation
The primary result of the ISOTRACK II project is a ready for production system, having undergone field scale demonstrations at sea which has attracted three bona fide bids for licences and enabling us to truly say that we have achieved our objective to commercialise our technology with support from EC FP7 grant funding.
ISOTRACK II ISO containers with on-board communications operate within the full operating range of the logistics environment to greatly improve container security and tracking;
• Universal design for door within most frequently used door sizes;
Widths between 2.28m to 2.343m and Heights between 2.28m and 2.585m
• The electronics module can be integrated to many sizes of door with each release of the product delivering further miniaturisation opening up ISOTRACK II functionality to even more doors.
• Electronics module capable of integration with CO2, temperature, and humidity sensors.
• Future sensors available will include radiation, VOCs, shock and acoustic disturbance sensors
• Certified as compliant to ISO 1496
• RF communication backed up by GSM and mobile networks
• Aligned with State of the Art communication networks - tracking at sea is as robust as on land
• No external antenna overcoming deliberate vandalism of external components
• All contained within a retrofit door
• No need to completely replace container inventory to deploy ISOTRACK II
Project Context and Objectives:
In order to achieve the objectives laid out above, the work packages were broken down in to specific tasks which are outlined below with a brief summary of their results;
WP1 Specification of the System
To collate all the results and knowledge from the R4A project including the deliverable reports and a technical presentation from the RTD performers at the kick-off meeting. To review the original results against trade frameworks including EU AEO (Authorized Economic Operator), U.S. C-TPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) and World Customs Organisation SAFE and establish requirements ISOTRACK need to validate during demonstration.
• Completed during Period 1
To establish specifications of the ISOTRACK doors with regards to fitting out up to 100 of operational containers.
• There were 3 sea-trials. 9/10 containers were used in trials 1 & 2 using magnetic boards stuck on the outside of standard doors. Trial 3 was 1 container fitted with doors built in Bootle. SAIRP supplied the panels, with the remaining partners fulfilling the task. 1 in Period 1 trials were conducted using standard doors with the ISOTRACK unit mounted and again in P2. The final demonstration was conducted using the pair of composite doors supplied by SAIRP.
To establish specification of the ZigBee or alternative networks on three of Containerships’ vessels and at six container port terminals in Europe.
• Partial Completion during Period 1 with further works in Period 2
To specify the functionality of the software, the programming language, the user-interface, and outputs of the programme.
• Works to deliver a working tracking system tailored for the Isotrack II system were delivered during Period 2.
WP2 Production of Prototype Doors
To specify a universal design layout for the composite door such that the manufacturing process is applicable to any container door size within the dimension ranges; width 2.280 – 2.343m ; height 2.280 – 2.585m
• The final design of electronics is of such a size and profile as to be capable of use with the full range of doors.
To review and test the mechanical design of the electronics module and specifying the latest hi-tech components replacing obsolete parts from the original electronics module
• A total of three iterations of the electronics module were delivered with the latest representing the state of the art in terms of battery life, size and functionality.
To specify the design of the electronics module that can integrate with sensors detecting radiation, VOCs, CO2, temperature, humidity, shock and acoustic and will be made to fixed dimensions to fit within the designated compartment in the ISOTRACK door
To manufacture up to 200 ISOTRACK composite container doors and up to 100 electronic modules, achieving extrapolated manufacture of scale costs below €1000
• Due to time constraints, composite doors and electronic modules were only provided for the final sea trials. Earlier iterations of the electronic modules were integrated to existing doors.
To integrate the electronic module within the composite door to form a ready to install product
• Completed during Period 2.
WP3 Testing of Prototype Doors
To test the ISOTRACK container door to comply with ISO 1496
• Completed during Period 2.
To conduct preliminary integrity testing on the ISOTRACK prototype doors to ensure they meet the physical dimensions that Containerships require
• Completed during Period 2.
To conduct testing of the ISOTRACK door integrity against environment
• Doors successfully completed Sea Trials.
To conduct testing of the ISOTRACK door integrity against forceful entry
• Not completed.
To conduct testing of the ISOTRACK door integrity against fire
• Not completed.
To ensure validation partners approve use of ISOTRACK doors on their containers
• Containerships Approval was required prior to commencement of sea trials.
WP 4 Specification & Production of ZigBee or Alternative Network Equipment
To specify the ZigBee or alternative network requirements for each of Containerships’ three vessels (Containerships VI, VII and VIII) involved in the demonstration action.
• The network requirements were specified for all vessels involved in the 3 sea trials
To specify the ZigBee or alternative network requirements in port terminals at Teesport, Helsinki, Hamburg, Ghent, Rotterdam and Riga.
• Works were completed in Koper, Teesport and Helsinki
To specify ZigBee or alternative coordinators for operation in each environment based on end-user requirement
• The move away from ZigBee was end user driven and the specifications derived based upon their requirements.
To prepare and deliver network hardware to each location
• The move away from ZigBee was end user driven and the specifications derived based upon
WP5 Rewriting of Software for Demonstration System
To rewrite software from original project into a programming language for the demonstration system, maintaining and enhancing interface functionality with ZigBee or alternative and GSM/GPRS.
To establish online access to the software for remote asset tracking
Work Packages 6, 7 and 8 took place during Period 2;
WP6 Installation of doors and networks
To install the ZigBee or alternative networks and coordinators upon the three Containership vessels and portside operations.
• Completed during Period 2
• To fit up to 200 composite ISOTRACK doors to up to 100 containers and test for system activation.
• Not Completed
• To launch the web portal for access by end-users.
• A project specific access was granted but this was not opened up generally to the public.
• To train the end-user logistics operators to use the relevant parts of the system.
• Training was provided suffice to complete the sea trials.
WP7 Long term demonstration of the ISOTRACK system
• To monitor the location and status of 100 ISOTRACK containers over a 6 month period
• To provide end-user tracking and status updates via online portal
• Only completed suffice to fulfil the requirements of tracking containers during sea trials.
• To subject 5% of the containers to integrity tests including forced entry and system bypassing.
• Not Completed
• To subject 5% of the containers to load verification tests including radiation, contraband and stowaway, detection.
• Not Completed
• To test the security levels of the wireless communications and the online portal
• Not Completed
• To assess the ISOTRACK system infrastructure including container doors and ZigBee or alternative networks at the end of the 6-month demonstration period for physical durability and electronic signal drop-off
• Electronic signal was fully present and operational at the end of Sea Trial 3
WP8 Validation and Analysis
• To analyse accuracy and availability of location information and alert signals
• Location information was tracked through land and sea based journey legs.
• To determine average battery life depending upon operating conditions and modes of signal communication
• Batteries were found to be fully operational through the duration of the full 3rd sea trials.
• Full lifespan was not tested due to there being insufficient time remaining for further trials.
• To determine average lifetime of composite door from durability performance over 6 month
• The composite door was examined post sea trial and found to be in full working order.
• Further testing post project may be required
• To interview operators and stakeholders about perception of performance
• To report on the training requirement of operator and necessary accompanying literature
• To report on the container integrity and load verification performance
• To report on the security and reliability of the ISOTRACK container signal
• To report on the durability performance of all container doors (with and without electronics module) and ZigBee or alternative infrastructure
WP 9 Exploitation
• To undertake any IP measures
• To certify / accredit / standards – outline what is required or actually achieve
• To assess data charges and usage
• To report on benefit of logistic efficiency at transportation interfaces (loading/ unloading etc)
• To report on manufacturing cost and price
• To specify physical infrastructure needs for large system million + containers
• To specify software architecture to process data amounts for large system million + containers
• To analyse economic benefit of alerts from demonstration data
• To analyse container fleet management efficiency losses and potential saving
WP10 Dissemination
• To define and implement an IPR dissemination policy
• To produce the project website within the first two months
• To analyse data for creation of a minimum of two case studies
• To produce dissemination material including brochure, flyer and poster
• To provide press releases at least every quarter
• To produce a project video with interviews from stakeholders
• To attend trade events such as Intermodal Europe, Automotive Logistics Europe, Cool Logistics Global, The CILT(UK) Annual Logistics Conference & Dinner and the Supply Chain Logistics Summit
WP11 Management
• To manage the consortium partners to ensure that all technical works are achieved on time, within budget and to the required quality
• To acquire intellectual property protection on all protectable project results
• To ensure that all EC communication and reports are delivered in timely manner
• To co-ordinate all legal, contractual, financial & administrative activities of the consortium
Project Results:
What it is….
Tracking, tracing and monitoring of shipping containers is a worldwide issue. Containers today may travel many thousands of miles and be under the control of many different persons during that journey. Not only are there safety and security concerns associated with what may be held in the containers, particularly the ISO shipping types used to convey goods in shipping freighters and the like, there can also be a risk that the shipped goods may be spoiled, contaminated or otherwise interfered with.
At present the most common form of security is that of padlocking and the addition of a breakable seal. The seal is often attached to the door handle to detect if the container has been opened. The seal is commonly embossed with a number that also appears on a shipping manifest. Thieves have devised several ways of gaining access into shipping containers, some of which involve removal and replacement of all or part of the door hardware fasteners so that the seals and locks will not appear to have been disturbed.
The ISOTRACKII system includes a door and a monitoring system particularly applicable for use in the tracking and monitoring of mobile container units.
What it does…
ISOTRACKII utilizes a radio network device concealed within the fabric of the container door itself, actually inside the composite panel. If the container is tampered with a silent signal can be picked up aboard the carrier or at the point of arrival. When the system is interrogated the reading hardware alerts the operator. As far as the members of the consortium have been able to establish, the successful transmission and receipt of signals from a container with no external device has not been achieved prior to ISOTRACK II.
The system also includes the optional capability to monitor various environmental conditions such as CO2 lvels and can send an alert if a threshold is exceeded indicating people or animals may be present within. Temperature is also monitored in order to assist in fire detection as is movement.
Where it is applicable…
ISOTRACKII is particularly applicable to ISO shipping container tracking and monitoring, both during the landbound and seabound legs of its journey.
Why the alternatives aren’t as good…
There are a number of improved seals on the market such as the “sealock” (www.sealock.com) which claim to improve container security. They require tools such as an angle grinder and cable cutters to remove. The manufacturer claims that criminals are unlikely to carry such tools, but with battery powered angle grinders readily available this is claim is now optimistic.
Further detail and images to illustrate the system can be found in the attached pdf.
Potential Impact:
As this section of the report is very heavy in image and pictorial content, it has been uploaded as a separate pdf entitled ISOTRACK II Full Dissemination Pack and attached to this electronic report under the "Other" category.
List of Websites:
The project web page has been migrated to www.stellarview.com to enable commercialisation.
The project contacts are;
Key Contact: Ian Fletcher
Address: ADS Group Limited, Show Centre, ETPS Road, Farnborough,
Hampshire GU14 6FD
Telephone: 0207 091 7825
Mobile: 07825 712533
Email: ian.fletcher@adsgroup.org.uk
Website: www.adsgroup.org.uk
Key Contact: Rory Stephen
Address: 3 Siskin Drive, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, CV3 4 FJ
Telephone: 0207 193 3756
Mobile: 07841 050022
Email: rstephen@astratagroup.com
Website: www.astratagroup.com
Key Contact: Antanas Bernikas
Address: Mannerheimintie 15a, FI-00260, Helsinki, Finland
Telephone: +358 207 441 375
Mobile: +358 40 6624246
Email: antanas.bernikas@containerships.fi
Website: www.containershipsgroup.com
Key Contact: Zlatko Mastnak
Address: Mariborska 1, 3000 CELJE, SLOVENIA
Telephone: +38634284800
Email: zlatko.mastnak@ema.si
Website: www.ema.si or www.bluetraker.com
Key Contact: M. Chambelin (Financial Director)
Address: 26 rue des Freres Lumieres, 45800 St Jean de Braye, France
Telephone: +33238862234
Website: http://www.sairp.fr/
Key Contact: Ian Edwards (Product Development Engineer)
Address: Tube Tech International Ltd, 14 Rawreth Ind. Estate,
Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 9RL, UK
Telephone: +44 1268 786999
Mobile: +44 7825 888881
Email: Ian.Edwards@tubetech.com
Website: http://tubetech.com/
Key Contact: Dougie Bryce
Address: Charter House, 14 Park Rd. Melton Mowbray,
Leicestershire, LE13 1TT, UK
Telephone: +44.1664.412607
Mobile: +44.7768.823894
Email: dougie@tts.co.uk
Website: www.tts.co.uk
Key Contact: Andrew Chamberlin
Address: Charter House, 14 Park Rd. Melton Mowbray,
Leicestershire LE13 1TT, UK
Telephone: +44.1664.412607
Mobile: +44.7835.850079
Email: andrew@stellarview.com
Website: www.stellarview.com
ISOTRACK II Publishable Summary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoSY4MdZqmk
ISOTRACK II follows on from ISOTRACK, our successful FP7 proof of concept project, which developed an innovative dielectric composite door, transparent to radiofrequency with an onboard satellite tracking navigation system and RF beacons allowing it to telemeter its position and cargo status to the operator or relevant authorities. The central objective of the ISOTRACK II project was to build and demonstrate a full size pre-commercial demonstration rig capable of being fitted to newly manufactured ISO shipping containers or retrofitted to existing containers.
During ISOTRACK II we were able to demonstrate how the doors and tracking system works during the full logistics cycle including legs both on land and at sea. The ‘smart’ composite container door replaces steel container doors, can also include a range of sensors including temperature and CO2. In combination, these can contribute to the detection of security issues including alerting controllers to the possible presence of explosives, human or animal intruders. Sensors can also assist in climate control and notification of potential issues with temperature in the transport of perishable goods. A wireless mesh networking infrastructure enables container connectivity whilst on board container liners or in port terminals. All electronics including antennas are integrated and encapsulated within the door making it robust and unobtrusive. The sensing and tracking electronics provides the following functionality:
• Accurate, real time position data of the container
• Detection of door opening
• Sensing presence of humans (theft and stowaways)
• Sensing of chemical explosives
• Detection of radioactivity (potential material for radiological dispersal devices)
The developments pushed the envelope of the state of the art through the following steps:
• Higher security reducing inventory theft
• Higher security levels to reduce/prevent human and other illicit traffic
• Less time checking containers at borders and ports
• Lower insurance costs for pre-classified hi-integrity/secure units
• More time/resources to spend on other identified less secure containers
• Less health and injury risk for everyone involved in the transport operation
The primary result of the ISOTRACK II project is a ready for production system, having undergone field scale demonstrations at sea which has attracted three bona fide bids for licences and enabling us to truly say that we have achieved our objective to commercialise our technology with support from EC FP7 grant funding.
ISOTRACK II ISO containers with on-board communications operate within the full operating range of the logistics environment to greatly improve container security and tracking;
• Universal design for door within most frequently used door sizes;
Widths between 2.28m to 2.343m and Heights between 2.28m and 2.585m
• The electronics module can be integrated to many sizes of door with each release of the product delivering further miniaturisation opening up ISOTRACK II functionality to even more doors.
• Electronics module capable of integration with CO2, temperature, and humidity sensors.
• Future sensors available will include radiation, VOCs, shock and acoustic disturbance sensors
• Certified as compliant to ISO 1496
• RF communication backed up by GSM and mobile networks
• Aligned with State of the Art communication networks - tracking at sea is as robust as on land
• No external antenna overcoming deliberate vandalism of external components
• All contained within a retrofit door
• No need to completely replace container inventory to deploy ISOTRACK II
Project Context and Objectives:
In order to achieve the objectives laid out above, the work packages were broken down in to specific tasks which are outlined below with a brief summary of their results;
WP1 Specification of the System
To collate all the results and knowledge from the R4A project including the deliverable reports and a technical presentation from the RTD performers at the kick-off meeting. To review the original results against trade frameworks including EU AEO (Authorized Economic Operator), U.S. C-TPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) and World Customs Organisation SAFE and establish requirements ISOTRACK need to validate during demonstration.
• Completed during Period 1
To establish specifications of the ISOTRACK doors with regards to fitting out up to 100 of operational containers.
• There were 3 sea-trials. 9/10 containers were used in trials 1 & 2 using magnetic boards stuck on the outside of standard doors. Trial 3 was 1 container fitted with doors built in Bootle. SAIRP supplied the panels, with the remaining partners fulfilling the task. 1 in Period 1 trials were conducted using standard doors with the ISOTRACK unit mounted and again in P2. The final demonstration was conducted using the pair of composite doors supplied by SAIRP.
To establish specification of the ZigBee or alternative networks on three of Containerships’ vessels and at six container port terminals in Europe.
• Partial Completion during Period 1 with further works in Period 2
To specify the functionality of the software, the programming language, the user-interface, and outputs of the programme.
• Works to deliver a working tracking system tailored for the Isotrack II system were delivered during Period 2.
WP2 Production of Prototype Doors
To specify a universal design layout for the composite door such that the manufacturing process is applicable to any container door size within the dimension ranges; width 2.280 – 2.343m ; height 2.280 – 2.585m
• The final design of electronics is of such a size and profile as to be capable of use with the full range of doors.
To review and test the mechanical design of the electronics module and specifying the latest hi-tech components replacing obsolete parts from the original electronics module
• A total of three iterations of the electronics module were delivered with the latest representing the state of the art in terms of battery life, size and functionality.
To specify the design of the electronics module that can integrate with sensors detecting radiation, VOCs, CO2, temperature, humidity, shock and acoustic and will be made to fixed dimensions to fit within the designated compartment in the ISOTRACK door
To manufacture up to 200 ISOTRACK composite container doors and up to 100 electronic modules, achieving extrapolated manufacture of scale costs below €1000
• Due to time constraints, composite doors and electronic modules were only provided for the final sea trials. Earlier iterations of the electronic modules were integrated to existing doors.
To integrate the electronic module within the composite door to form a ready to install product
• Completed during Period 2.
WP3 Testing of Prototype Doors
To test the ISOTRACK container door to comply with ISO 1496
• Completed during Period 2.
To conduct preliminary integrity testing on the ISOTRACK prototype doors to ensure they meet the physical dimensions that Containerships require
• Completed during Period 2.
To conduct testing of the ISOTRACK door integrity against environment
• Doors successfully completed Sea Trials.
To conduct testing of the ISOTRACK door integrity against forceful entry
• Not completed.
To conduct testing of the ISOTRACK door integrity against fire
• Not completed.
To ensure validation partners approve use of ISOTRACK doors on their containers
• Containerships Approval was required prior to commencement of sea trials.
WP 4 Specification & Production of ZigBee or Alternative Network Equipment
To specify the ZigBee or alternative network requirements for each of Containerships’ three vessels (Containerships VI, VII and VIII) involved in the demonstration action.
• The network requirements were specified for all vessels involved in the 3 sea trials
To specify the ZigBee or alternative network requirements in port terminals at Teesport, Helsinki, Hamburg, Ghent, Rotterdam and Riga.
• Works were completed in Koper, Teesport and Helsinki
To specify ZigBee or alternative coordinators for operation in each environment based on end-user requirement
• The move away from ZigBee was end user driven and the specifications derived based upon their requirements.
To prepare and deliver network hardware to each location
• The move away from ZigBee was end user driven and the specifications derived based upon
WP5 Rewriting of Software for Demonstration System
To rewrite software from original project into a programming language for the demonstration system, maintaining and enhancing interface functionality with ZigBee or alternative and GSM/GPRS.
To establish online access to the software for remote asset tracking
Work Packages 6, 7 and 8 took place during Period 2;
WP6 Installation of doors and networks
To install the ZigBee or alternative networks and coordinators upon the three Containership vessels and portside operations.
• Completed during Period 2
• To fit up to 200 composite ISOTRACK doors to up to 100 containers and test for system activation.
• Not Completed
• To launch the web portal for access by end-users.
• A project specific access was granted but this was not opened up generally to the public.
• To train the end-user logistics operators to use the relevant parts of the system.
• Training was provided suffice to complete the sea trials.
WP7 Long term demonstration of the ISOTRACK system
• To monitor the location and status of 100 ISOTRACK containers over a 6 month period
• To provide end-user tracking and status updates via online portal
• Only completed suffice to fulfil the requirements of tracking containers during sea trials.
• To subject 5% of the containers to integrity tests including forced entry and system bypassing.
• Not Completed
• To subject 5% of the containers to load verification tests including radiation, contraband and stowaway, detection.
• Not Completed
• To test the security levels of the wireless communications and the online portal
• Not Completed
• To assess the ISOTRACK system infrastructure including container doors and ZigBee or alternative networks at the end of the 6-month demonstration period for physical durability and electronic signal drop-off
• Electronic signal was fully present and operational at the end of Sea Trial 3
WP8 Validation and Analysis
• To analyse accuracy and availability of location information and alert signals
• Location information was tracked through land and sea based journey legs.
• To determine average battery life depending upon operating conditions and modes of signal communication
• Batteries were found to be fully operational through the duration of the full 3rd sea trials.
• Full lifespan was not tested due to there being insufficient time remaining for further trials.
• To determine average lifetime of composite door from durability performance over 6 month
• The composite door was examined post sea trial and found to be in full working order.
• Further testing post project may be required
• To interview operators and stakeholders about perception of performance
• To report on the training requirement of operator and necessary accompanying literature
• To report on the container integrity and load verification performance
• To report on the security and reliability of the ISOTRACK container signal
• To report on the durability performance of all container doors (with and without electronics module) and ZigBee or alternative infrastructure
WP 9 Exploitation
• To undertake any IP measures
• To certify / accredit / standards – outline what is required or actually achieve
• To assess data charges and usage
• To report on benefit of logistic efficiency at transportation interfaces (loading/ unloading etc)
• To report on manufacturing cost and price
• To specify physical infrastructure needs for large system million + containers
• To specify software architecture to process data amounts for large system million + containers
• To analyse economic benefit of alerts from demonstration data
• To analyse container fleet management efficiency losses and potential saving
WP10 Dissemination
• To define and implement an IPR dissemination policy
• To produce the project website within the first two months
• To analyse data for creation of a minimum of two case studies
• To produce dissemination material including brochure, flyer and poster
• To provide press releases at least every quarter
• To produce a project video with interviews from stakeholders
• To attend trade events such as Intermodal Europe, Automotive Logistics Europe, Cool Logistics Global, The CILT(UK) Annual Logistics Conference & Dinner and the Supply Chain Logistics Summit
WP11 Management
• To manage the consortium partners to ensure that all technical works are achieved on time, within budget and to the required quality
• To acquire intellectual property protection on all protectable project results
• To ensure that all EC communication and reports are delivered in timely manner
• To co-ordinate all legal, contractual, financial & administrative activities of the consortium
Project Results:
What it is….
Tracking, tracing and monitoring of shipping containers is a worldwide issue. Containers today may travel many thousands of miles and be under the control of many different persons during that journey. Not only are there safety and security concerns associated with what may be held in the containers, particularly the ISO shipping types used to convey goods in shipping freighters and the like, there can also be a risk that the shipped goods may be spoiled, contaminated or otherwise interfered with.
At present the most common form of security is that of padlocking and the addition of a breakable seal. The seal is often attached to the door handle to detect if the container has been opened. The seal is commonly embossed with a number that also appears on a shipping manifest. Thieves have devised several ways of gaining access into shipping containers, some of which involve removal and replacement of all or part of the door hardware fasteners so that the seals and locks will not appear to have been disturbed.
The ISOTRACKII system includes a door and a monitoring system particularly applicable for use in the tracking and monitoring of mobile container units.
What it does…
ISOTRACKII utilizes a radio network device concealed within the fabric of the container door itself, actually inside the composite panel. If the container is tampered with a silent signal can be picked up aboard the carrier or at the point of arrival. When the system is interrogated the reading hardware alerts the operator. As far as the members of the consortium have been able to establish, the successful transmission and receipt of signals from a container with no external device has not been achieved prior to ISOTRACK II.
The system also includes the optional capability to monitor various environmental conditions such as CO2 lvels and can send an alert if a threshold is exceeded indicating people or animals may be present within. Temperature is also monitored in order to assist in fire detection as is movement.
Where it is applicable…
ISOTRACKII is particularly applicable to ISO shipping container tracking and monitoring, both during the landbound and seabound legs of its journey.
Why the alternatives aren’t as good…
There are a number of improved seals on the market such as the “sealock” (www.sealock.com) which claim to improve container security. They require tools such as an angle grinder and cable cutters to remove. The manufacturer claims that criminals are unlikely to carry such tools, but with battery powered angle grinders readily available this is claim is now optimistic.
Further detail and images to illustrate the system can be found in the attached pdf.
Potential Impact:
As this section of the report is very heavy in image and pictorial content, it has been uploaded as a separate pdf entitled ISOTRACK II Full Dissemination Pack and attached to this electronic report under the "Other" category.
List of Websites:
The project web page has been migrated to www.stellarview.com to enable commercialisation.
The project contacts are;
Key Contact: Ian Fletcher
Address: ADS Group Limited, Show Centre, ETPS Road, Farnborough,
Hampshire GU14 6FD
Telephone: 0207 091 7825
Mobile: 07825 712533
Email: ian.fletcher@adsgroup.org.uk
Website: www.adsgroup.org.uk
Key Contact: Rory Stephen
Address: 3 Siskin Drive, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, CV3 4 FJ
Telephone: 0207 193 3756
Mobile: 07841 050022
Email: rstephen@astratagroup.com
Website: www.astratagroup.com
Key Contact: Antanas Bernikas
Address: Mannerheimintie 15a, FI-00260, Helsinki, Finland
Telephone: +358 207 441 375
Mobile: +358 40 6624246
Email: antanas.bernikas@containerships.fi
Website: www.containershipsgroup.com
Key Contact: Zlatko Mastnak
Address: Mariborska 1, 3000 CELJE, SLOVENIA
Telephone: +38634284800
Email: zlatko.mastnak@ema.si
Website: www.ema.si or www.bluetraker.com
Key Contact: M. Chambelin (Financial Director)
Address: 26 rue des Freres Lumieres, 45800 St Jean de Braye, France
Telephone: +33238862234
Website: http://www.sairp.fr/
Key Contact: Ian Edwards (Product Development Engineer)
Address: Tube Tech International Ltd, 14 Rawreth Ind. Estate,
Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 9RL, UK
Telephone: +44 1268 786999
Mobile: +44 7825 888881
Email: Ian.Edwards@tubetech.com
Website: http://tubetech.com/
Key Contact: Dougie Bryce
Address: Charter House, 14 Park Rd. Melton Mowbray,
Leicestershire, LE13 1TT, UK
Telephone: +44.1664.412607
Mobile: +44.7768.823894
Email: dougie@tts.co.uk
Website: www.tts.co.uk
Key Contact: Andrew Chamberlin
Address: Charter House, 14 Park Rd. Melton Mowbray,
Leicestershire LE13 1TT, UK
Telephone: +44.1664.412607
Mobile: +44.7835.850079
Email: andrew@stellarview.com
Website: www.stellarview.com