Day / June 2, 2011

by Mike Poverello

Smiths Detection Wins German Contract for Mobile Cargo Scanners

Smiths Detection has won an order from the German Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) to provide advanced high-energy [6Mev] X-ray systems for mobile Customs checkpoints to be delivered by the end of 2011. The contract comprises three Heimann Cargo Vision Mobile (HCVM) 3 systems, Smiths’ third generation, mobile high-energy X-ray cargo series, to inspect trucks, containers HCVM-Truckand other vehicles for contraband, weapons, explosives and narcotics. They will be deployed at various locations throughout Germany. Available in truck and trailer versions, which give operators the freedom to use their own towing equipment, the HCVM 3 series improves threat identification through its viZual technology, which uses colour-coded material discrimination to distinguish between organic and inorganic substances. Operational in less than 15 minutes, with a throughput of up to 150 containers per hour, the system offers flexible scanning heights for different vehicle or load dimensions and adjustable scanning angles with a variety of scanning modes. Some of the technical features include:

  • High throughput of up to 25 trucks per hour in scan mode and up to 150 trucks per hour in pass through mode.
  • Steel penetration up to 320mm.
  • viZual technology for real organic/inorganic material discrimination.
  • Up to 6 different Scanning Modes.
  • Automatic Radioactive Material Detection.
  • Space+Cabin for up to 8 Image Analysis Workstations.
  • Automatic Guidance System.
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by Mike Poverello

Automated Cargo Management – Whipping up Industry Awareness

Following the recent posts on this subject, SARS took to ‘walking the talk’ this week. Over the last month a significant increase in registrations with Customs as well as vast improvements in successful electronic manifest data submission has occurred, mainly in the sea freight industry, however. This week’s initiative took the campaign to the hub of air cargo in southern africa – Oliver Tambo International Airport. Meetings were arranged with various stakeholders and industry bodies to reinforce customs cargo reporting requirements. The campaign was intended to offer an alternative approach to the usual formalities of the bi-monthly modernisation meetings. If necessary, further campaigns will be undertaken leading up to the mandatory enforcement of electronic manifest and cargo report submission for air and sea cargo operators in the very near future. SARS will soon be announcing a final cut-off date for voluntary registration for ACM and electronic submission, after which punitive measures will be introduced. Watch the Customs modernisation webpage for further details.