CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 22 (UPI) -- The Port of Charleston, S.C., is extending its new container security network to another three terminals, it was announced Thursday.
The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) signed an agreement to expand the SaviTrak infrastructure that handles RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) data that keeps track of containers and their contents at the Atlantic Coast harbor.
"In an era of constant terrorist threats and growing trade, it's vital that we balance commerce with security," Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., said in a news release. "Projects that bolster the Port of Charleston's aggressive port security posture while facilitating cargo flow are exceptionally important."
The four terminals that will be outfitted with the RFID system handle about 2 million containers per year from points of origin in Europe, Latin America and Asia.
Part of the U.S. SAFE Port Act of 2006 is a requirement for technology to guard against tampering with sealed containers and a means of tracking their movements. Such systems are seen as helping preventing terrorists from smuggling weapons of mass-destruction into the United States as well as theft of contents by common criminals.
