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The Security and Logistics section provides a comprehensive posting of all the latest Customs, port security, and logistics related news. Have news to submit? Email the Editor.

Smiths Detection to install chemical threat and video management system in the Port of Providence Aug 31, 2010 Smiths Detection is to install its FirstView™ early warning chemical threat detection and video management system at the Port of Providence, R.I., USA. Read more...

New entry-level network surveillance cameras from Samsung Aug 27, 2010 Samsung’s new SNB-1000 fixed camera and SND-1010 dome camera have been designed for budget-conscious users who wish to capitalise on the benefits of Video over IP. Read more...

Port of Liverpool's new £1.1 million IT system cuts turnaround times drastically Aug 02, 2010

A new £1.1 million (US$1.7 million) IT system installed at the Port of Liverpool has led to immediate improvements in customer service since its launch, with 95% of truck drivers processed though the port within an hour, surpassing the performance of other major UK ports. Read more...

Unique technology finds trace levels of drugs and explosives Jul 27, 2010 Instrumentation specialist Quantitech has signed an agreement with the Canadian company TeknoScan Systems Inc to introduce a highly advanced technology for banned substance detection to the UK market. Read more...

Yemen tightens watch on maritime traffic Jul 19, 2010 Yemen has ordered its coastguard and navy to tighten supervision of vessels off the country's coasts with suspected links with terrorism, piracy or drug smuggling. Read more...

APS Technology and Zebra Enterprise collaborate on gate security for Gulf Stevedoring Jul 16, 2010 Gulf Stevedoring Contracting Company (GSCCO) of Saudi Arabia is to implement APS Technology Group's OCR Portal and driver kiosks to automate container identification, remote damage inspection and truck processing at its Jeddah and Jubail terminals. Read more...

Odessa Port seizes $60 million worth of cocaine in Ukraine's biggest bust Jul 07, 2010 Customs officials at the Port of Odessa, Ukraine, have seized $60 million (47.5 million Euros) worth of cocaine in the in the country's biggest ever cocaine bust. Read more...

Israeli ports opt for Afcon's Harmony Gateway system Jul 07, 2010 The Israel Port Company (Authority) has selected Afcon's Harmony Gateway solution as the standard solution for the maritime industry in Israel. Read more...

Suspicious vessel carrying explosives tugged to Kolkata port for investigation Jun 28, 2010 The vessel MV Aegean Glory is currently under inspection by state and national authorities at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) to ascertain whether its cargo matches what had been loaded at the Liberian port of Monrovia. Read more...

Port of Charleston named top green supply chain partner Jun 28, 2010 Inbound Logistics magazine has named the Port of Charleston to its annual Top 50 Green Supply Chain Partners (G50) list. Read more...

Bosch’s rugged MIC Series cameras take to the seas with the RNLI Jun 22, 2010

The UK's Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has used Bosch’s rugged MIC Series 400 pan-tilt-zoom cameras onboard its Tamar class all-weather lifeboats for more than six years and plans a roll out to more of the charity’s lifeboats in the near future. Read more...

Samsung introduce high specification camera housings Jun 17, 2010

Samsung has introduced a new range of die-cast aluminium camera housings which have been designed as a direct result of feedback from installers and system integrators. Read more...

New Crane Telemetry tool from Tideworks can be integrated into Spinnaker software Jun 16, 2010 Tideworks Technology Inc. has announced the development of its newest automation tool – Crane Telemetry for Spinnaker Planning Management System®. Read more...

Selex to sell and service McMurdo emergency beacons in the UK May 26, 2010

McMurdo Ltd, part of the Orolia Group, today announced that Selex Communications has agreed to promote, sell and support McMurdo’s range of professional emergency distress beacons to the commercial fishing and maritime sectors throughout the United Kingdom. Read more...

Sydney Ports Corporation to track container movements May 26, 2010 A new study commissioned by Sydney Ports Corporation will investigate in detail the movement of shipping containers into and out of Port Botany, Australia. Read more...

Panasonic system wins best CCTV award at IFSEC show May 24, 2010

Panasonic took home the title of CCTV Camera Equipment of the Year 2010, from the IFSEC Security Industry Awards with their WV-CP500 static camera. Read more...

New enhanced Bosch long-range imaging system May 20, 2010 Bosch Security Systems have announced a new configuration for bestselling long-range active-infrared system, the GVS1000, which now facilitates easier integration with Bosch head-end solutions. Read more...

Port of Houston Authority to automate equipment ID and traffic processing May 20, 2010 The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) is to automate equipment identification, traffic processing and imaging at both its marine terminals in Houston. Read more...

Anti-piracy coalition launches petition for action May 19, 2010

An unprecedented coalition of organisations – from trade unions to shipowners’ associations and insurers – have joined forces to back a global e-petition demanding concrete action to end the piracy that is putting lives at risk and threatening world trade. Read more...

First Asian contract for Tideworks Technology in Vietnam May 19, 2010 The SP-SSA International Terminal (SSIT) has enlisted Tideworks Technology to implement its container terminal operating system (TOS) at the greenfield terminal being built outside of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Read more...

Martin Engineering acquires U.S. manufacturer of industrial vibrators May 14, 2010

Martin Engineering, the world’s largest supplier of industrial vibrators, has announced the acquisition of Cougar Industries, a U.S. manufacturer of high-quality industrial vibrators. Read more...

Kongsberg to supply new Suezmax Cargo Handling Simulator to Turkish shipper Apr 29, 2010 Kongsberg Maritime has successfully completed a Site Acceptance Test (SAT) for the delivery of an innovative Suezmax Cargo Handling Simulator (CHS), interfaced to the Kongsberg K-Chief-500 marine automation system, to the Turkish ship owner Gungen Maritme & Trading A/S. Read more...

Nuclear threat means tighter port security for the US Apr 14, 2010

President Barack Obama vowed to tighten port security at the 47-nation Nuclear Security Summit that concluded in Washington, Tuesday. Read more...

Accessibility improved for Port of Antwerp Apr 07, 2010

The Flemish government has outlined plan to make the Port of Antwerp more accessible, in its 2020 masterplan which was released today. Read more...

First user-friendly, pay-per-day security solution for intermodal transportation Apr 06, 2010 A new turnkey M2M service application that enables customers to pay for cargo security per day of active use while the cargo is in transit has been launched today by OnAsset Intelligence Inc. and TransCore, making it easy for customers to track and monitor high-value cargo on a per shipment basis. Read more...

Tideworks Technology introduces comprehensive Terminal Operating System for intermodal terminals Mar 31, 2010 Tideworks Technology Inc. today announced the availability of Intermodal Pro™, a comprehensive terminal operating system (TOS) for intermodal terminals. Read more...

Customs tightens security in South Harbor, Port of Manila Mar 29, 2010 Indonesian Customs Police have intensified security along the South Harbor where the Panamanian vessel M/V Captain Ufuk is docked, amid attempts by a syndicate involved in the recent illegal gun shipment to take back the ship. Read more...

Train crash at Oslo port under investigation Mar 25, 2010

Three people died and three left seriously injured when an out-of-control train crashed at Oslo Harbour, Wednesday night. Read more...

Zebra Enterprise Solutions launches new terminal operating solution for lower volume terminals Mar 24, 2010 Zebra Enterprise Solutions today announced the launch of a new operating solution designed for terminals that move at least 120,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) per year. TEU is a standard measure in intermodal transport. Read more...

Bosch introduces high-performance LED-based illuminator Mar 18, 2010

Bosch Security Systems have announced the launch of the new AEGIS SuperLED, a high performance LED-based illuminator with rugged IP66 rated construction and new design. Read more...

EMSA casts its all-seeing-eye over EU waters Mar 16, 2010 For the first time, all commercial vessels in and around EU waters will be able to be seen by authorities in a single view, thanks to EMSA’s new SafeSeaNet tracking module STIRES. And, soon, the technology could be rolled out to cover the whole world. Read more...

CDA Solutions wins major port security contract at Cromarty Firth Mar 15, 2010 CDA Solutions Ltd have been awarded major contract to provide a large integrated CCTV and Access Control System for Cromarty Firth Port Authority’s facility at Invergordon, Scotland. Read more...

Cware CCTV Video Management Software now available on mobile devices Mar 15, 2010

Cware has announced its CCTV Video Management Software (VMS) will now be accessible on mobile devices such as mobile phones and PDAs, through its new Mobile Module client software. Read more...

Shoreline survey yields an explosive find at UK port Mar 11, 2010

A survey vessel reported to Portland Coastguard what appeared to be a Second World War one ton parachute mine lying on the seabed in the middle of Portland Harbour, UK, on Tuesday. Read more...

Keppel unit signs MOU with Norwegian marine research body Mar 08, 2010 Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology Centre (KOMtech) and the Norwegian Marine Technology Research Institute (Marintek) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of technologies and training opportunities, on Saturday. Read more...

Chile's San Antonio port open and up to 80% capacity Mar 04, 2010 The port of San Antonio, Chile, is open and running to 80 percent capacity, while Valparaiso port is operating normally. Read more...

Samsung launch compact 12x optical zoom internal speed dome Mar 02, 2010

The latest addition to the Samsung professional security camera range is a competitively priced 12x fully functional optical zoom internal speed dome offering full 360 degree continuous rotation. Read more...

Descartes unveils new Global Logistics Management Suite for Ocean Freight Mar 02, 2010 Descartes Systems Group, a federated global logistics network, has unveiled its latest Global Logistics Management Suite for Ocean Freight, a suite of logistics applications. Read more...

L.A. Port Police to use new mobile video and data-sharing technology for surveillance Feb 26, 2010 The Los Angeles Port Police have contracted Reality Mobile and the Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to implement a new real-time mobile collaboration platform. Read more...

New robot on the market can improve port security Feb 25, 2010 Remotec Inc. have supplied a new remotely-operated robot to the LAPD, designed for explosive ordnance disposal, hazardous material response and port security. Read more...

Featured articles

Transec Expo preview: Treacherous waters demand enhanced self help Jul 02, 2010

When the supertanker 'Moscow University' was seized by Somali pirates off the coast of Yemen in May of this year, the attack could well have ended up with the vessel, its 80,000 tonne cargo of crude oil and the crew being held for ransom for an indeterminate length of time. Read more...

Enhancing port security at the Port of Baltimore Mar 18, 2010

The two words ‘Port Security’ hold a much more sinister connotation than they did five years ago. True, ports throughout the world still look for illegal contraband, whether it’s in the form of illegal aliens or goods, but there’s something else; something more threatening lurking in today’s seaports. Read more...

Protecting products while also protecting the environment Feb 24, 2010

Recent disasters around the world demonstrate nature’s immense and sometimes brutal power. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes, etc. have resulted in huge losses. Among those are damages to production and distribution infrastructures, including our amazing network of ports and their warehousing facilities. Read more...

How do electronic seals fit into the future supply chain? Is the future now? Feb 15, 2010

Over the past seven years a number of U.S. Business Schools undertook a variety of studies to answer questions relating to making investments in supply chain security and the use of technology to either minimise risk or to increase logistics efficiency. The main question being asked: “Is there a financial return for those companies that invest in a higher level of logistics security through the use of technology?” Read more...

The economics of cargo screening Feb 12, 2010

A country may undertake intensive screening of cargo for many reasons. The type of screening, and techniques used, often depend on the perceived benefit. This paper discusses some of the benefits and estimates the costs of screening cargo with X-rays, and recommends processes that can yield the highest benefit to cost ratio. Read more...

A force to be reckoned with: strengthening borders through technology investment Feb 01, 2010

On 1 April 2009 the UK Border Agency became a full executive agency of the Home Office. This follows a successful year as a shadow agency in which we brought together the work of the former Border and Immigration Agency, customs detection work at the border from HM Revenue & Customs and UK visas, to establish a single and strong border force. Read more...

Intelligent security planning for ports Jan 26, 2010

The threat from major terrorist attacks is very real for port operators and those responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the world’s port facilities. Major terrorist attacks such as 9/11 have spurred huge investment in port security in recent years and have led to international support for enhancements to the security of transportation and supply chain networks. Read more...

Future-proofing technology: a smart strategy for trimming costs Dec 16, 2009

Security aims to stay a step ahead of threats, making it an evolving strategy in an ever-changing landscape. Port security is no exception. In the past decade, global efforts to secure ports have taken a giant leap forward with new identification validation systems that put technology at the heart of the solution. Read more...

TWIC compliance is a piece of cake Nov 19, 2009

It’s one thing to refer to a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) compliance implementation as a ‘piece of cake.’ It’s another to say an organisation is getting exactly the tools needed to efficiently and accurately oversee entry to secured areas. Just like no one combination of cake and icing will satisfy every sweet tooth, a one-size-fits-all approach to TWIC compliance doesn’t address the variety of credential types required at different access points. Read more...

Fire protection to ports and terminals Nov 06, 2009

Fire can become one of the most destructive and unforgiving forces known to man, destroying everything in its path. With this in mind we try to add some perspective on the prevention, detection and extinguishing of fires within ports and terminals as well as vessels. Read more...

Marine transportation, port operations, and security levels during transport: where do we stand? Nov 05, 2009

Nearly seven years have passed since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. They have been years of recovering from the devastation, years of restructuring both local and national security processes, and years of establishing additional levels of protection for our nation and our citizens. Read more...

If your name’s not down, you’re not coming in! Nov 04, 2009

Since the series of devastating terrorist events that impacted all of us, we knew that things had to change. As we are all too aware, these threats are now ever present, and with the ever evolving intelligence of the criminal world, it has become apparent that the worldwide transport system that we all rely upon so heavily, has become an obvious target. Read more...

Can do attitude for latest ROV control system Nov 02, 2009

In recent years, manufacturers of sensors for Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) have developed increasingly sophisticated systems in ever smaller, lighter packages. This has allowed ROV manufacturers to offer evermore high-tech solutions for port security applications including structural and vessel hull inspection, diver support, surveillance operations, mine countermeasures, and intervention/recovery etc. Read more...

Using technology to enhance border management Oct 29, 2009

Today, it is recognised that clearance processes by customs and other agencies are among the most important and problematic links in the global supply chain. High costs and administrative difficulties associated with outdated and excessively bureaucratic border clearance processes are now cited as more important barriers to trade than tariffs. Read more...

A force to be reckoned with: strengthening borders through technology investment Oct 22, 2009

Security systems technology and the ‘One Trick Pony’ mentality Oct 14, 2009

The imposition and use of increasingly complex security technologies within the commercial port environment is often seen as an expensive additional cost to the core business. Or the common consensus is that security systems are a requirement which have limited functionality and correspondingly have not a great deal to offer in the way of business growth and by implication neither do the people that implement and operate them. Read more...

Heading towards transparency: creating supply chain visibility to improve container transport Sep 06, 2009

Nowadays, container transport is facing several challenges. To mention only a few, these include the strong growth in container transport volume, bottlenecks in hinterland connections, complex logistics chains consisting of many actors, information gaps, as well as new security regulations. These exercises have to be managed both by industry and administration. The main factors in today’s international intermodal container transport, logistics and security, are aiming at different objectives and sometimes lead to contradictory strategies. Read more...

Surveillance technology in the maritime environment Sep 02, 2009

Eyes are needed everywhere, and in an age where security threats have become more prevalent, surveillance systems can offer a reduced strain on manning at a time when regulatory compliance and general security can place an increased burden on personnel. Read more...

Changing customs: the new face of documentation, inspection, and scanning Aug 27, 2009

A state-of-the-art container terminal demands state-of-the-art customs handling. Bert Wiersema, member of the management team for the Rotterdam Customs, explains how his organisation ensures that its operations at the Euromax Terminal are as efficient as possible. “Every step eliminated represents a saving.” Read more...

Security is more than badge-swiping: Guard System provides all-in-one security solution Aug 21, 2009

Historically, computer hardware and software solutions have helped drive productivity in ports, airports, and rail yards. But productivity alone is not enough. Now Port Managers face issues of security, controlled access, and identity verification. With more than three decades of success in engineering computer solutions, DAP Technologies has risen to the challenge to make access control easier and data more reliable. Read more...

High-throughput container screening in the global supply chain Aug 12, 2009

To protect nations against weapons of mass destruction, governments have been active in implementing programmes to increase containerhandling security. Efforts such as the Container Security Initiative, the Secure Freight Initiative, and the SAFE Ports Act represent the leading edge of legislation aimed at eventually screening 100 per cent of high-risk containers loaded in foreign ports for nuclear materials and other potential weapons. Read more...

Assessing and confronting the challenges of port security May 28, 2009

One of the main by-products of the horrific attacks in the U.S. on September 11, 2001 was the dramatic refocusing of attention on global transportation networks that the world’s economies remain so dependent on. The use of aircraft as guided missiles made the unthinkable a reality. Read more...

Port security technology – are we rebuilding the Maginot Line? May 20, 2009

Recently, Sentinel Maritime conducted a live-exercise in a major European container terminal. The terminal was equipped with state of the art barrier fencing and CCTV coverage. The guards were well trained and highly alert. A sophisticated biometric access control card system was in use. Read more...

Chinese ports starting to use wide-area surveillance solutions Mar 18, 2009

Throughout 2007 and 2008, intelligent video systems have seen substantial growth. There have been adoptions of intelligent video systems in many critical infrastructure industries including ports, airports, power plants, large infrastructure projects etc. This has also made huge impact in the large infrastructure security markets. An integrated and intelligent security platform can provide safety and security, reduce cost on security spending such as personal and hardware, help users manage their sites more efficiently and improve operational efficiencies at their sites. Read more...

Airport reinforces its security system with biometric readers and contactless smart cards Mar 04, 2009

As a tour ist and commercial gateway to the country, the International Airport of Mexico City (AICM) plays a vital role in the development of Mexico’s economy, ensuring the prosperity and global accessibility of this burgeoning nation. The AICM is Latin America’s busiest airport, and one of the world’s 30 most active airports in terms of passengers, operations and cargo. Read more...

Intelligent security planning for ports Feb 27, 2009

Throughput performance factors in X-ray cargo screening systems Feb 23, 2009

As X-ray cargo screening becomes more prominent at ports and border crossings, its impact on container traffic is frequently discussed. This is essentially a question of system throughput, which varies by the type of X-ray system chosen and how it’s operated within a port facility. X-ray cargo screening has been adopted at ports and border crossings throughout the world because this technology has solved a number of important problems. Read more...

Beyond ROI: How benchmarking and KPI tracking can better reveal the true value of technology investments Feb 09, 2009

Labour costs, in both developed and developing countries, seem continually on the rise. Traditionally, when evaluating the impact of process automation technology investments, like those involving OCR, RFID, and GPS automation solutions, considerable emphasis is placed on the ROI derived solely from labour force reductions. Read more...

Responsibility for the implementation of the container security initiative Jan 23, 2009

For the past seven years the United States Gover nment, through many of its internal agencies, has asked the world to help secure our borders by securing their internal supply chain from terrorists. Although the process and desire is noble, the specific marching orders have failed to materialise, leaving the world in a quandary as to how to achieve a non-defined goal. Read more...

Tactical and strategic intelligence: improving on the foundations set about by post 9/11 maritime security programmes Dec 02, 2008

Since the terrorist attacks of 2001 and 2002, the world has achieved a heightened sense of security awareness. The maritime industry is no longer considered a safe, non-political, global transportation system that moves goods by sea harmlessly from one place to another, but rather, a liability that exposes all nations, maritime and non-maritime alike, to criminal threats and attacks. Read more...

High gain radar performance for improved port security Nov 13, 2008

Detection of small targets in good weather is not always challenging, however, in heavy rainfall and rough seas the situation changes dramatically. In these conditions radar detection of small targets require very high gain antennas with narrow beamwidths and small clutter cells to reduce rainfall and sea clutter return. Parabolic reflector radar antennas include the ability of polarisation switching in X band for improved performance in heavy rainfall and, in combination with frequency diversity transceivers, provide high radar detection capability. Read more...

Access Control: the Achilles Heel of global port security Nov 11, 2008

With the many security challenges facing international ports today, one needs a firm, consistent system to deal with the thousands of employees, vendors and visitors who pass through every day. At the forefront of such security concerns, and also one of the most demanding issues, must undoubtedly be access control, as large areas and facilities requiring public and restricted access need to be both policed and well secured. Read more...

Command & Control solutions for port security Nov 04, 2008

The ISPS code as well as the more advanced national and international initiatives and programmes (e.g. CSI, C-TPAT,WCO/AEO etc.) are requiring changes in maritime security concepts. The more static approach of ISPS security measures (port areas, vessels etc.) need to be enhanced through dynamic solutions, connecting the infrastructure of many stakeholders in the supply chain. The fusion of security sensors, images and data is a major challenge for modern maritime security management: it requires a technical and collaborative interoperability. Read more...

Maritime and port security center focuses on cutting-edge R&D Sep 04, 2008

As a maritime nation, it is critical that the US develops and deploys the most advanced port security technologies available. With that goal in mind, a major new project is under way at SRI International’s National Center for Maritime and Port Security in St. Petersburg, Florida. Read more...

Container Security Initiative: just the facts Aug 27, 2008

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, US Customs Service, now US Customs and Border Protection, began developing antiterrorism programmes to help secure the United States. Within months of these attacks, US Customs Service created the Container Security Initiative (CSI). The primary purpose of CSI is to protect the global trading system and the trade lanes between CSI ports and the US Under the CSI programme, a team of officers is deployed to work with host nation counterparts to target all containers that pose a potential threat. Announced in January 2002, CSI was first implemented in the ports shipping the greatest volume of containers to the United States. Read more...

Implementing X-ray cargo screening Aug 14, 2008

X-ray inspection systems for cargo containers have now become a standard feature in many ports. This rapid adoption has been accelerated by the needs of port security, but made practical by the systems’ unique ability to non-destructively penetrate entire containers and generate images of the contents in just a few seconds. Even at this large scale, the resulting images are comparable to those obtained through traditional baggage scanning at airports and capable of identifying objects smaller than a baseball. Read more...