The shipping industry
world over is striving to increase
security for cargo containers without slowing the cargo traffic through the
port . Prior 2001 Sept, the supply chain
security concentration was mainly on theft, piracy and drug smuggling. But in
recent times, the threat from terrorism is in supreme priority. The potential threat
of terrorists using containers as a way to smuggle a nuclear or radiological device inside a marine cargo
container poses a large risk to the country .
In view of above , at the time of declaring cabotage relaxation for ICTT ,
Vallarpadam( Cochin) , the Defence
Ministry of India confirmed that no relaxation on the security measures would
be permitted and insisted that all
import containers passing through the terminal should be scanned. Also , the recent seizure of red sandal wood from a container at ICTT re-enforce the demand
of Customs authorities for 100% screening of containers passing through the
terminal. This was the second incident
of sandal wood , export of which is
banned from India, being tried to smuggled out of the country using this
terminal.
The
challenges faced in achieving the goal of 100% screening of all inbound
containers seem almost endless. However to confront
this challenge, many technology applications are being pursued and deployed in
many sea ports world over. The technologies used presently to detect dangerous / contraband cargo are not perfect or
foolproof. But they are steadily improving in accuracy and reliability. Non-intrusive
(gamma and x-ray) technology provide the image of the contents of containers
without opening them.
Technologies to Support Closed
Container Inspections
Radiation portal monitors (RPMs), consisting
of large-area gamma-ray detectors and
neutron detectors allow the detection of
nuclear or other radioactive materials in cargo containers or trucks entering or
leaving a port. The high detection sensitivity of RPMs allows 100% scanning of
cargo with minimal impact on throughput. However, false positive alarms
resulting from cargo which is naturally radioactive (e.g., certain ceramic tiles
, porcelain toilet bowls etc) can slow-down the cargo flow.
Container scanners
Container Scanning means the
non-invasive inspection of contents inside a container . Physical inspection of
all containers entering a port is not feasible and hence modern scanning
equipments are used world over for fast and efficient inspection of containers passing through a port. Scanning equipments indeed have enhanced security by enabling the
detection of weapons at ports of entry, thereby preventing their transport onto
the mainland . Commonly used scanning technologies are
X-ray Inspection system - This technology is the most common form of
non-invasive inspection technology in use today. X-rays detect difference in material densities
inorder to produce an image of the vehicle or contents inside a container. The X-ray image thus produced is analyzed
using the sophisticated software to detect the contraband (illegal traffic). However
, if the cargo and contraband are of similar densities, detection is very
difficult. Also , image of contraband could be hidden in the shadow of very
dense cargo. Multiple x-ray beams could to a certain extent erase the shadow
effect.
The process of scanning starts when the
vehicle driver gate in the truck at the scanning station with the cargo
manifest, which would be the base for checking discrepancies. The vehicle is
then taken through the scanning area and the image is captured and analyzed. If
anomaly noticed, container will be directed for through checking orelse the container
will proceed the onward journey. The whole process is expected to take about 10
– 15 minutes per container.
Gamma-ray Inspection system – gamma ray
imaging technology provides clear radiographic images (much like x-ray images)
of containers, showing the outlines and density of the contents. The principle of operation is similar to that of a x-ray scan system, except the usage of gamma-rays. The system directly use gamma rays
or pulsed fast neutrons to generate gamma rays to produce image of the
container and the contents.
Gamma-ray
image of a truck taken with Mobile VACIS system
There are fixed, semi-fixed
and mobile gamma ray systems are
available . Mobile system , which is designed around a standard vehicular
platform that can be easily serviced and repaired, is well suited to the port environment. The Mobile unit can be driven to an inspection point within a
port, and set up and operational in less than 10 minutes. It can
operate in both the scanning mode in which the truck/container is stationary or
in the stationary mode where the truck or container is driven past the Mobile
gamma-ray beam.
Gamma-ray
image of a truck with 2 stowaways in a container
Gamma ray system is said to be more fast and economic
compared to the X-ray system.
Technology alone is not enough
Usage of modern technology
is merely one part of the strategy for homeland security system. It indeed has benefited security officers and customs
inspectors for detecting contrabands in the cargo traffic. However , for an efficient total security system of the supply chain , other factor such as the cooperation between the Customs and
defence / security / CISF wings and programs like CTPAT (Customs- Trade
Partnership Against Terrorism) that encourages shippers and carriers to
implement security measures to promote greater security at all points is also
necessary .
