PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Security, Inc. (NYSE:GE) today announced the installation of the CommerceGuard™ System at the Port of Portland to further secure a vital link in the world’s global supply chain.

The CommerceGuard installation at the Port of Portland is the first comprehensive installation of the system on the U.S. West Coast. It advances the Port’s ongoing initiative to offer enhanced security options to its customers. CommerceGuard is the first global supply chain system that deters and detects theft, smuggling and international terrorism by integrating container security devices (CSDs) within a global information network. The CommerceGuard network of secure corridors is enhanced with the Portland installation particularly creating secure trade lanes with several ports in Asia that have recently adopted the CommerceGuard System.

“I’m pleased to see additional safeguards for cargo security at the Port. Ensuring the security of our ports is vital, both for public safety and for our region’s economic well-being,” U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said. “Requiring a state of the art container security device, rather than a simple padlock to secure expedited shipping containers, means we get safer ports and the added benefit of helping businesses move their cargo more quickly. That’s the classic definition of a win-win situation.”

CommerceGuard is a commercially available system that meets the new requirements for container security devices specified in the Port Security Improvement Act of 2006. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden’s amendment to the act ensured much more rigorous security for containers by specifying that a container security device must positively identify a container, detect and record the unauthorized intrusion of a container, and secure the container against tampering throughout the supply chain. Before Senator Wyden’s amendment, a common padlock would have met the existing criteria. The act is further designed to offer quicker customs inspections for companies that take extra security precautions.

"West Coast maritime trade volume is on the rise, so I am proud that the Port of Portland is a part of a new comprehensive approach to cargo security,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. “With over ten million containers entering U.S. ports every year, this innovative approach is the kind of long term investment that will make businesses and Americans safer."

“The Port of Portland is pleased to participate in a private sector initiative that will complement the extensive governmental efforts to secure marine cargo," said Bill Wyatt, Executive Director of the Port of Portland. "In addition to making its facilities as secure as possible, the Port is committed to helping its customers implement their own cargo security measures."

“This installation of the CommerceGuard System will improve cargo container security and enable port customers to enjoy commercial advantages ranging from security to asset visibility," said Randy Koch, president & CEO, CommerceGuard AB & GM, cargo security, GE Security. “Both importers and exporters can now use CommerceGuard to secure their shipments.”

More than a dozen key international ports have adopted the CommerceGuard container security device and reader system. It has also undergone successful international trials with shippers including Yang Ming Lines and is in use by top importers.

The CommerceGuard system features the first market-ready container security device (CSD) that has been tested and proven to be secure and reliable. The CommerceGuard CSD is positioned inside an international cargo container and registers any opening of the container door. Any unauthorized door opening is recorded as a tamper event, and alerts are routed to appropriate officials. Fixed and handheld readers at critical points along the supply chain, such as overseas and U.S. ports, collect container status from the device and report it using the CommerceGuard Information Network. This information provides cargo owners greater security while tracking the location and status of shipments as their containers move through the supply chain. Tracking data is available at no additional charge as part of the CommerceGuard Service. Cargo owners, authorized logistics providers, and appropriate government authorities can securely access the information from any Internet browser.

CommerceGuard products are available through a global business collaboration consisting of GE Security, Mitsubishi Corporation (TSE:8058), Samsung Corporation (SEO:000830), and Siemens building Technologies (NYSE:SI). GE Security holds the sales and distribution rights for the CommerceGuard system in North America and certain other regions.