Integrating X-ray technologies with intelligent transportation systems for enhancing the international maritime security

Abstract

Over the past decade, the use of X-ray scanning technology for cargo inspection has been on the rise due to its effectiveness in providing clear and unobtrusive views of the contents of items hidden inside containers. Also, it is able to add intelligence and to minimise human intervention in the cargo inspection process without opening up suspected containers. Although X-ray scanning technology is proven to be useful for automatic detection of potential dangers or illicit contents (e.g., narcotics) inside containers, its usefulness may be constrained unless it can be embedded within the system-wide decision support tool. Such a tool includes an intelligent transportation system (ITS) which is designed to improve transportation safety and mobility through the seamless integration of information and communication technology, transportation infrastructure, and shipping vessels. This paper is one of the first to combine X-ray scanning technology with ITS for cargo inspection procedures and gauges its usefulness for enhancing maritime security in global supply chain operations.