The Cargo Handling Cooperative Project (CHCP) has initiated a major project, testing and evaluating e-seal technologies for
intermodal freight containers. CHCP is a partnership between the U.S. Maritime Administration and private industry. The project will be conducted through such initiatives as Operation Safe Commerce, the Transportation Security Administration's Port Security Grants Program, and security initiatives begun by U.S. Customs.
Electronic seals have been put forward as a way to address the security challenges presented by intermodal freight containers. However, they have not yet been applied on a wide scale basis in commercial applications, and any new equipment requirement must be based on a thorough, objective examination of the technology.
The CHCP plans to evaluate all available electronic seal systems, including eSeal, DataSeal, Smart Seal, AllSeal, and McSemaNalink. Testing will be conducted in a laboratory environment, a large marine terminal, and with computer simulations. The CHCP will support these efforts by providing functionality and performance data on e-seals, as well as technical support in the implementation of these technologies.
Results of the e-seal technology program will be made available to CHCP members, the participating marine ports and terminals, and government organizations that are considering the potential role for electronic seals to secure
intermodal container shipments.