Enhanced Cargo Inspection at Ports

Furthermore, since the events of 9/11, the possibility and indeed, probability of the tools and the agents of terror passing unnoticed through customs have driven an urgent need to provide solutions. Cargo X-ray scanning systems have been an option for nearly two decades. However, advances in design and technology now present customs authorities with the ability to use enhanced fixed-site systems and mobile scanning systems in order to go beyond manifest verification and into the realms of complete inspection.

Enhanced cargo inspection

Adapting to the post 9/11 world, the IMO’s (International Maritime Organisation) new port and shipping regime will come into force in July 2004, setting a robust and detailed standard for contracting nations. The UK’s own Port Security Initiative will set the framework for safety and security for its ports, shipping and terminals. Amongst a raft of detailed measures and recommendations, the IMO has called upon ships and port facilities to implement inventory confirmation procedures in order to prevent cargo being tampered with and to stop unauthorised cargo being loaded or unloaded. When specific vessels or containers are under suspicion these tasks would normally be carried out via a visual examination.

Of course, in a busy commercial port facility this option is simply not possible for every container. Therefore, the use of an X-ray cargo scanning system is now becoming the solution of choice for many ports, worldwide. Prior to 9/11, customs authorities were largely focused on the prevention of drug trafficking. Nowadays, it has been recognised worldwide that allowing the majority of containers to pass through customs without checking could have disastrous consequences. Fixed-site X-ray cargo scanning systems offer the most efficient service in terms of scanning quality and throughput. However, in an environment where space is often at a premium, port authorities are adapting a flexible approach and also deploying mobile units.

The solution provider

Based on over three decades of experience, L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems (www.l-3com.com/xray), a division of L-3 Communications Inc., states that it is the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of X-ray security screening systems and metal detectors. With manufacturing facilities in California, Massachusetts, Florida and Bracknell, UK, L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems offers a broad range of products to the aviation, transportation, and public building security markets and currently has over 18,000 screening systems in operation worldwide. L-3’s cargo screening equipment is being used to check consignments against manifests and to detect weapons, drugs, illegal passengers and other contraband that may be hidden within freight containers.

L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems recently supplied the Dutch Customs at the Port of Rotterdam with a CX2500 (2.5MeV (Mega electron Volt)) mobile X-ray system. And, in April 2003, the company revealed that EG&G Middle East (L-3 Security and Detection Systems’ cargo x-ray distributor in the Middle East one of L-3’s many international partners) had been awarded a contract to supply five high-energy cargo container X-ray imaging sub-systems to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s customs authorities. L-3’s 450 keV (kilo-electron Volts) X-ray cargo inspection systems are currently being used by US Customs, US Army, and by Singapore’s Immigration Service.

The solution

L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems supplies two types of X-ray cargo inspection systems:

• Pallet X-ray Systems
• Container and Vehicle X-ray Systems

With X-ray sources varying from 160kV (kilovolt) for standalone machines up to 9.0 MeV for fixed site systems, L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems’ products can easily cater for all of a port’s X-ray cargo scanning needs. Whilst fixed-site, high throughput, high-penetration systems that can be set up as dual-view systems are extremely effective, L-3 has recognised that the addition of rapidly deployable mobile systems can offer a more flexible and cost effective approach to X-ray cargo scanning.

Mobile units can process up to 20 full-size vehicles per hour. Cargo X-ray systems are capable of obtaining high quality images through 100 mm and 400 mm of steel. L-3 has a range of mobile and transportable X-ray inspection products when penetrating, depending upon the energy level of the X-ray source being employed, which include:

• Van X-ray Systems
• Towed/Trailer X-ray Systems
• Mobile Cargo X-ray Systems
• Relocatable Cargo X-ray Systems

Each system is built on an internationally supported chassis and where appropriate incorporates a high degree of operator comfort in rooms equipped with high specification imagery and IT (Information Technology).

Consultancy services

In implementing container and vehicle X-ray scanning, port facilities need to take account of limitations of space, transportation of containers that are to be screened and the volume of traffic. L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems works closely with its clients to understand a port facility and to provide suitable, cost effective solutions, including mobile, re-locatable or fixed-building X-ray structures, thus delivering the right package. In addition, L-3’s project management services include site surveys, need and cost-benefit analysis and subcontract management.

Commercial aftermarket services

L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems states that it has the largest field service team in the industry today. The company’s wireless, mobile field-service teams provide equipment maintenance services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Furthermore, service representatives are available each day to schedule routine maintenance, preventative maintenance and to examine maintenance agreement schedules.

L-3’s customer support also extends to training courses run by experienced L-3 instructors, providing hands-on training for its customers and familiarizing operators and technicians with systems operation, repair and maintenance. In addition, L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems’ customer support delivers service, audit reports and surveys its customers on a regular basis, using the results to continuously improve its services.