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Security of the supply chain and the concept of free trade may at times appear
contradictory but the demands of national security increasingly requires a
joined up security solution where no one organisation can be responsible.
The initiative of the USA is a good example where scanning all containers
entering into its country will be mandatory from 2012. Similarly the SHIFT
Framework of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) provides a list of measures
for implementation such as moving the customs process from the import to the
export side. Crucially an integrated approach is missing.
The European Union, via the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) has commissioned the
partners of Project IMCOSEC to identify and characterise gaps in cargo transport
security and benefits for logistics. The project, which started on 1st April
2010, will identify processes, procedures and technology to increase the
resilience of the supply chain from port to hinterland. The aim is to form a
Strategic Road Map showing possibilities and challenges for an improved and
integrated level of security for the supply chain in order to prepare a large
demonstration initiative to be addressed in the FP7 call in June 2011.
IMCOSEC will focus on Intermodal Loading Units (ILU), which includes stackable
ISO containers, swap bodies and semi trailers across a broad range of transport
modes to include, Road, Rail, Sea and Inshore Water Ways whether they are empty
or carrying ordinary cargo, dangerous or high value goods.
Crucially, consortium members are aware that solutions need the support of the
transport industry whose concerns will include the economic viability of any
proposed solutions. The consortium members look forward to engaging with many
of these organisations.
Participating organisations
TSB Innovationsagentur Berlin GmbH/FAV (Germany)
International Container Security Organisation (Belgium)
Union Internationale des sociétés de transport combine Rail-Route (Belgium)
Bureau International des Containers (France)
CBRNE Ltd. (UK)
Studiengesellschaft für den Kombinierten Verkehr e. V. (Germany)
Politecnico di Milano (Italy)
Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg (Germany)
Institut für Seeverkehrswirtschaft und Logistik (Germany)
Additional stakeholders will be involved with the Advisory Board.
Further information:
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