Security and Monitoring of Container Transports

ISL performs security research in container transport investigating the use of electronic seals and security devices, supporting Customs authorities’ risk assessment by creating supply chain visibility as well as examining effects of the 100 % scanning laws requiring US-bound containers to be X-rayed from 2012. Another topic is logistics research supporting the idea of Supply Chain Event Management for efficient container monitoring.

The efficient combination of optimising intermodal container chains from the business/logistics view and the security view is one of the biggest challenges today. Security issues like increased reporting and monitoring of the total chain – from packing to unpacking – are often discussed to have a cost raising effect. The possibility of creating win-win solutions, i.e. optimising logistics processes creating visibility and predictability of chains during their execution and making them more secure at the same time is the focus of a number of current R&D projects with emphasis of applicability and consensus among the stakeholders.

Processes and Technologies
In all projects, the efficient integration of innovative technologies (such as RFID, Container Security Devices, AIS) with the related processes in container terminals and intermodal container chains is of utmost importance.

Cooperations
Working with international consortia has created a huge cooperation network within Europe and worldwide. Cooperation partners are industry, research, consultants and administrations. A special cooperation in security research has been set up between ISL and the University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule) in Bremerhaven. A new master study course named ISSM (Integrated Safety & Security Management) and the connected Institute for Safety & Security Studies (ISASS) with two cooperative professorships offer an excellent opportunity for creating win-win situations between research and education.