MARAD BEGINS E-SEAL TESTING

MARAD BEGINS E-SEAL TESTING    The U.S. Maritime Administration said Monday it has started its Cargo Handling Cooperative Project to test and evaluate electronic-seal technologies for cargo containers.
   “Electronic seals have been put forward as a way to address security challenges presented by intermodal freight containers,” MarAd said in a statement, noting that such seals “have not yet been applied on a wide-scale basis in commercial applications” nor subjected to “thorough, objective examination.”
   “The Cargo Handling Cooperative Project plans to evaluate all available electronic seal systems,” said Richard Walker, director of MarAd’s office of intermodal development. “We expect this project to last from six months to a year, and be conducted through Operation Safe Commerce and the security initiatives begun by U.S. Customs.”
   For more information, contact Walker at (202) 366-8888.