New Zealand Customs to spend $17.9 million on cargo X-ray equipment

New Zealand Customs to spend $17.9 million on cargo X-ray equipment    The New Zealand Customs Services will spend $17.9 million to build and deploy 10 new cargo X-ray machines at the country’s ports.
   The equipment, to be built by Smiths Detection, comprises three X-ray trucks capable of scanning whole ocean containers; two fixed site X-ray units capable of scanning air-cargo containers; and five X-ray trailers similar to units already in place at Auckland and Christchurch.
   “We’ve looked for and found mobile technology that will give us maximum coverage at least cost, so that we can screen cargo with minimum disruption to the supply chain,” said John Secker, acting chief executive of New Zealand Customs, in a statement.
   New Zealand Customs also plans to buy a “backscatter” van from another supplier and plans to recruit and train new staff to operate the equipment.
   The New Zealand government will cover the initial cost of the X-ray equipment. The customs administration is consulting with the shipping industry about who pays for ongoing operating costs associated with this investment.