21.1.2010
Astrium: First service contract for SecureSystem
Satellite-based container monitoring system with electronic certificate provides higher security for container shipping
Bremen, 21 January 2010 - SecureSystem, the satellite-based container monitoring system developed by EADS's Space Division Astrium, is for the first time to be integrated in the regular transport operations of a logistics company. A contract to this effect has been concluded between Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and Astrium today. Under the contract 20 sea containers equipped with the system will be used for sea freighting by Hellmann.
"This first service contract for SecureSystem means we have succeeded in penetrating the commercial market. Talks are at present being held with further potential customers and we are confident that we will be able to secure further contracts during the year," stated Wolfgang Busch, project manager for SecureSystem at Astrium.
The SecureSystem satellite-based container monitoring system could represent a cost-effective response to the USA’s announcement that, as from 2012, 100% of all sea containers bound for the United States will be required to undergo scanning in the last port visited before entering US territory.
SecureSystem offers an alternative to these rather onerous scanning procedures by using sensors to monitor containers 24/7, anywhere in the world, in real time. Sensor data is transmitted via satellite link, without the need for any additional ground systems or complex server networks, to a ‘Trust Centre’ where the data is analysed and any anomalies found are reported to the customer or the security authorities. In this way, any unauthorised opening or entry into the inside of the container can be detected in real time. If the system discovers that a container has been opened without authorisation, the identified container can be singled out for inspection by a scanning unit.
Containers equipped with SecureSystem give Hellmann Worldwide Logistics a significant competitive edge in the tough international sea container transport market. Hellmann anticipates that by transferring air cargo – in particular high-value goods – to sea freight it will be able to increase its market share in this sector.
Working in collaboration with its partner companies in the logistics sector, Eurogate and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Astrium has trialled the complete system over the past five years in extensive transatlantic tests. The signing of this first service contract marks the end of the development phase and the system’s entry into commercial operation.
The system consists of a telematic box equipped with a monitoring system which is attached to the container doors. Sensors monitor the condition of the container for example whether it is open or closed as well as the humidity and temperature level. The data is transferred via satellite, GSM and RFID to the control centre. This technology enables a permanent tracking and tracing of the container. Only authorised persons are able to open the container on its journey with a generated digital access code.
Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services. In 2008, Astrium had a turnover of €4.3 billion and more than 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment and Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, EADS generated revenues of €43.3 billion and employed a workforce of more than 118, 000.
Press contacts:
| Daniel Mosely (Astrium UK) | Tel.: +44 (0)1 438 77 8180 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +44 (0)1 438 77 8180 end_of_the_skype_highlighting |
| Matthieu Duvelleroy (Astrium FR) | Tel.: +33 (0) 1 77 75 80 32 |
| Ralph Heinrich (Astrium GER) | Tel.: +49 (0) 89 607 33971 |
| Francisco Lechón (Astrium SP) | Tel.: +34 91 586 37 41 |
