Working in conjunction with the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) and the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), tracking technology provider Savi Networks plans to launch a radio frequency identification (RFID) based network that automatically tracks the location and security status of cargo containers travelling between the port of Shanghai in China and the port of Savannah in Georgia.
Called the “Shanghai-Savannah Express Trade Lane Project,” Sunnyvale, CA-based Savi said the pilot project incorporates electronic seals and GPS integrated handheld devices using an open, international standards-based network platform, including compatibility with ISO standard 18000-7 for active RFID devices and ISO standard 18185 for electronic container security devices, both operating at the 433.92 MHz radio frequency.
“We’re embarking on this pilot with Savi Networks to ensure we provide our customers and China customs authorities with information to improve both the efficiency and security of shipments, domestically and globally,” said Bao Qifan, SIPG’s executive vp.
SIPG, established in January 2003 by reorganizing the former Shanghai Port Authority, is responsible for the overall management of Shanghai’s port – a hub in eastern China that is a major cargo transit point between the U.S. and Asia. It handled 21.71 million TEUs worth of cargo in 2006 – 3.63 million more TEUs, a 20.1% increase, versus container volume in 2005. Shanghai’s port ranks third in the world by container throughput, a record it’s held for four consecutive years, Qifan said.
Once the project is completed successfully, Savi plans to expand its RFID-based SaviTrak information service to terminal facilities operated by SIPG at the Port of Shanghai – mirroring what already exists at the Port of Savannah under a previous agreement, said Vic Verma, Savi CEO.
