General Defense Systems Launches SCIS

General Defense Systems, Inc. has introduced its Shipping Container Inspection System (SCIS), an advanced chemical, biological and radioactive inspection system for shipping containers, designed as a key component of a comprehensive plan to intensify current security measures at U.S. ports. "Without impeding the movement of containers, our SCIS system enables inspection of up to 100% of the shipping containers moving through U.S. ports, minimizing risk and significantly curtailing vulnerability," states Frank Fawcett, president and CEO of General Defense Systems, Inc. (GDS). "With more than 6 million shipping containers entering U.S. ports annually and only approximately 2 percent inspected pre-September 11th, the threat to national security is viable. SCIS can mitigate the potential for disaster." According to the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), each U.S. state receives goods from an average 15 different ports every day. Efforts by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) at the U.S. Department of Transportation to implement the Container Security Initiative (CSI) include establishing security criteria to identify high-risk containers and using technology to pre-screen these containers. GDS' SCIS system deploys highly sensitive, accurate detection devices on the cranes and lift trucks that move the shipping containers in and out of U.S. ports. The port cranes control close to 100% of the shipping containers that pass through these ports, hoisting the containers on and off shipping vessels. "SCIS, a complement to the GDS security and surveillance product line, is expected to provide an extremely effective deterrent against the shipment of biological weapons and radioactive materials into U.S. ports," concludes Fawcett.