SIMTAG - Safe InterModal Transport Across the Globe
Overview
Background & policy context:
SIMTAG is part of the European Commission's Fifth Framework Programme for RTD, Competitive and Sustainable Growth Programme. The Project addresses Task 2.2.4/2 -establishment of harmonised security and safety procedures for freight intermodal transport operations.
SIMTAG is a programme of activities that will culminate in the development and commercialisation of technologies, processes and services to improve safety & security in Global Intermodal Cargo transportation. The transport sector is a key element in the development of a single market for Europe, and a major contributor in assisting the European Union to improve its competitive position in global markets.
The SIMTAG project is bringing innovation and technology to intermodal cargo transport in general and the transportation of dangerous and vulnerable cargo in particular. Part funded by the European Union, the consortium of blue-chip companies is investing in the future of intermodal transportation, bringing enhanced safety and security for the protection of people, property and the environment.
Objectives:
SIMTAG aimed to improve the safety, security and efficiency of intermodal transport. Its objectives were to demonstrate
- that these improvements were compatible with commercial efficiency;
- that standards could be adopted, provided sufficient commercial benefits existed to encourage development and take-up;
- that commercial solutions could be made available and globally effective through existing cost-effective technologies;
- that new, commercially-viable technologies could be exploited;
- and that commercial confidentiality and competition could be maintained whilst introducing new standards, process and technology.
The SIMTAG project addresses the freight element of transport and, in particular, the transportation of dangerous goods and those that may be vulnerable to interference from terrorism, although the systems and procedures developed will be applicable to all types of cargo. SIMTAG will address the end-to-end supply chain for both single-mode and multi-modal transport, including the security of at-source packing and loading procedures. It will endeavour to enhance the practicalities, safety and security of seamless transportation irrespective of mode, with a special emphasis on eliminating delay in the supply chain and the provision of enabling procedures to encourage modal shift from road to rail, sea and inland waterway. By providing both information and tracking facilities, SIMTAG will help to reduce delays in ports and terminals and make a significant contribution to a reduction in bottlenecks.
Methodology:
The products of the SIMTAG programme will include:
- The SIMTAG Project sets out to reduce risk and improve efficiency in Intermodal Cargo Movements. It starts from the premise that inefficiency and risk – whether safety or security - stem from actual activities associated with the movement not matching the planned activities.
- This divergence of 'physical' activities from 'information' (i.e. planned) activities, happens when monitoring, control and management breakdown. In today’s Intermodal flows these activities are sporadic, paper based and largely uninformed. SIMTAG will change all this.
- By applying technology to cargo, the project will integrate a series of sensing, telecommunications and data processing technologies in a manner and at a price-point not previously achieved, opening the possibility for near real-time and near continuous cargo monitoring, making, for the first time, effective in transit management and the goal a Cargo 'BlackBox' viable.
- SIMTAG is not limited to the application of technology however. Since 11th September 2001, security checks at ports are being greatly enhanced with consequent delays. By examining and recommending improved procedures along the full length of the supply chain (including the events prior to loading the container) SIMTAG will enable the receiving authorities to verify the events of the journey through the reading of the 'BlackBox data'.
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