The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) and Savi Networks have agreed to extend the SaviTrak information service to three container terminals at the Port of Charleston, the fourth busiest container port on the East and Gulf coasts, to enhance the security and efficiency of in-transit cargo shipments.

SaviTrak extended to Charleston

The installation of SaviTrak’s standards-based radio frequency identification (RFID) infrastructure at the Wando Welch, North Charleston and Columbus Street terminals will automate visibility of RFID-sealed containers and their contents, providing the port and its customers with real-time location and status information, automated alerts and analytics.

The system will link the terminals, which between them account for 2m container shipments a year, with a global network of trade lanes and partner terminals in Asia, North and South America and Europe. Savi Networks, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin company Savi Technology Inc and Hutchsion Port Holdings, has partnerships with port and terminal operators to build infrastructure at more than 80 terminals worldwide.

The SaviTrak information service is built on technologies that process real-time data feeds from RFID devices such as electronic seals and also processes information from other AIDS technologies such as barcodes, EPC-compliant passive RFID and GPS systems. It provides customers with real-time information about scheduling and financial impacts on their in-transit inventory.

“With some of the most productive container terminals in the nation, we view SaviTrak as a best-of-breed technology solution that enhances supply chain visibility and security for shippers using the Port of Charleston,” said Bernard S Groseclose Jr, president and CEO of the SCSPA.