Maritime Security: Screening Technologies
Each year, some 60 million cargo containers are handled between the world's ports. More than 12 million of these enter the U.S., but only about 1.5 percent are opened and inspected when they arrive at U.S. seaports. X-Ray, backscatter X-ray, gamma ray, and neutron scan devices are used to scan containers for the presence of dangerous objects or illegal cargo, weapons, drugs and CBRN. X-ray screening is widely used to check out containers in many ports. X-ray scanning systems are mostly either small handheld devices or stationary portals similar to airport security scanning machines.
Due to sheer volume of containerized traffic the challenges associated with speedy inspection of container's contents without costly delays grew tremendously. Cargo containers represent clear and present security risk associated with the potential use of a container for transporting weapons, illegal substances, or terrorists. The screening technologies have to be sensitive and robust enough at the same time to enable timely cargo verification.
Screening only a "portion of maritime cargo" is unfortunately the only feasible option. Screening 100% of cargo would lead to significant economic impact on port container operations. Still port authorities have a lot of tasks to improve current situation: fixing cargo handlig delays; progress on cargo screening portals; screening cargo on vessels; security dry runs; etc.
Seaports are the backbone of the worldwide commercial traffic. The rapid growth of maritime trade creates a continuing need to expand seaports and provide high-quality services. At the same time, technological, regulatory, security, and economic trends are placing new demands on seaports and cargo screening technologies.
Privatization of many formerly government-run seaports has created a growing class of seaport operators with the financial means and the incentives to invest in modernizing their cargo handling facilities and infrastructure. The modernization of cargo handling facilities and systems can help these private port operators improve their operational margins by cutting costs and increasing traffic and revenues.