The Use of X-ray Scanning Technology for Improving Maritime Security: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

X-ray scanning technology is developing rapidly for security inspection because of its effectiveness in providing clear and unobtrusive views of the contents of items hidden inside packages, baggage, and containers. Also, it is able to add intelligence for cargo inspectors and to minimize human intervention in the baggage and cargo inspection process without opening up suspected baggage or containers. Although X-ray scanning technology has been used for a number of years in the aerospace industry for security screening, it is rarely used in other industry sectors. For example, despite its proven benefits, maritime industry sectors and port authorities still have not fully explored the possibility of using X-ray scanning technology for global supply chain operations. Through an exploratory study, this article identifies a multitude of factors that facilitate or hinder the use of X-ray scanning technology in the Korean maritime sectors. Also, this article gauges its usefulness for enhancing maritime security and global supply chain operations, assessing the managerial benefits of X-ray scanning technology from the perspectives of emerging maritime sectors.