GE unveils maritime security device

GE Infrastructure, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Electric, has begun field testing a cost-effective container security product for use in maritime shipping. The company, headquartered in Wilton, Connecticut, expects to roll out the details at the United States Maritime Security Expo in New York today.

The new product helps detect unauthorized container access and monitors the container in transit for signs of intrusions. This helps manufacturers, customs officials and importers protect container integrity throughout the supply chain, according to the company.

Because more than 90% of all goods moved internationally are carried in containers, and about 8 million freight containers arrive at US ports every year, GE says the product will establish a global mechanism for in-transit freight container security for all classes of cargo, without impeding the movement of international trade.

The solution includes a palm-sized device that fastens to the door inside any standard maritime container, without the use of special tools. The cargo’s manufacturer uses a wireless apparatus to arm the device with a code. The security solution was tested by the US government and the private industry, according to GE Infrastructure.