SAIC’s Port Solutions

Currently, customs agencies and other security authorities use information from various sources to identify high-risk containers and pull those containers aside for further inspection. Although this approach can be effective, the growing threat of terrorism poses an enormous challenge for the shipping industry -improving container security without impeding the flow of cargo.

SAIC's new Integrated Container Inspection System (ICIS) can help meet this challenge by quickly scanning sealed containers at cargo terminals in the normal flow of traffic to help authorities locate potential weapons.

Developed in cooperation with government and industry organizations, ICIS combines three proven SAIC cargo-scanning technologies: VACIS® gamma ray imaging, EXPLORANIUM™ radiation scanning, and optical character recognition (OCR). With these capabilities, ICIS can automatically identify containers and provide visual images and radiation profiles of their contents in just a few seconds as they are handled at the terminal. This information can help customs agents and other authorities quickly identify containers that may require further inspection.

ICIS is far more than just a scanning system. With powerful data-integration and database capabilities, ICIS can collect and integrate data from many different sources, including shipping records, terminal information systems, customs intelligence and others. ICIS is designed to provide secure access anywhere in the world over a private network or the Internet, and can present integrated information in online displays tailored to specific tasks. With these capabilities, ICIS can serve as the hub of a comprehensive, layered security system, and can even help streamline terminal operations through automation and more effective information management.

Experts in SAIC's Security and Transportation Technology business unit believe that stakeholders in the supply chain are facing increasing security requirements from customs agencies and other authorities, and ICIS can help address those requirements without a major impact on operations. By being first to introduce this type of cost-effective, integrated system, SAIC may be able to help set the standard for scanning operations throughout the industry.

SAIC has already begun to introduce ICIS to the shipping industry. We are currently working with the Hong Kong Container Terminal Operators Association in a pilot project to incorporate ICIS into live operations at two terminals. Hong Kong International Terminals is using ICIS to scan containers arriving by truck at the entry gate. And at Modern Terminals, a pair of ICIS systems are scanning containers as they arrive at the entry gate and the barge quay.

This project will be used to demonstrate to customs authorities and the global port community that ICIS can scan all export containers as part of the terminal's normal operations without impeding traffic, and that the information it provides will support customs authorities' efforts to identify high-risk containers.

Related Information

• Integrated Container Inspection System (ICIS)