“E-Seal-enabled information networks are a key step toward implementing customs 'green lanes' that add extra security and new velocity to global supply chains and greater efficiency for our customers,” said Neil Smith, CEO of Savi Networks. He added that US Homeland Security's recent announcement that it plans to mandate mechanical seals on all containers coming into the US after October 15, 2008 is an important step on the path to safer ports and borders. He views the mechanical seal mandate as a logical first step toward widespread deployment of ISO 18185-based electronic seals (e-seals). E-seals are partly based on the international standard for mechanical seals (ISO 17712).
E-seals use active radio frequency identification (RFID) to monitor real-time location and security status of the shipments over the SaviTrak information service network. The global wireless network is in place at port facilities handling 20% of world trade, according to Savi.
Savi Networks has deployed data capture infrastructure for the e-seals at the US ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Savannah, and Norfolk. It is also in place at the ports of Hong Kong, Yantian, Shekou, Hatian, Chiwan, and Mawan in China and Busan and Kwangyang in Korea. Other Asian ports include Kaohsiung, Taiwan and Laem Chabang, Thailand. European ports include Rotterdam and Felixstowe.
