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Test of Radiation - Nuclear Weapon Detection Equipment at the Port of Oakland

Posted on: Wednesday, 15 November 2006, 12:00 CST

OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- VeriTainer Corporation, with state, local and national agencies, will implement a test program designed to scan for harmful radiation or nuclear weapon technology in shipping containers at the Port of Oakland. The test will be held in cooperation with SSAT and the Matson Navigation Company at the Charles P. Howard marine terminal at the Oakland seaport, the fourth busiest container port in the United States.

The 60-day test starting January 2007 will utilize the VeriTainer "VeriSpreader" scanning technology which is mounted on cranes and moves over container cargo in about one minute as it scans for potentially dangerous radiation that may be hidden in cargo containers. A press conference announcing this test will be held adjacent to the Port of Oakland headquarters on November 15th at 10:30am.

Federal, state and local agencies will be monitoring this test to validate recent findings that show that the VeriTainer device meets specifications to certify the technology as a Qualified Anti-Terrorist Technology (a "QATT") for use in ports and shipping areas around the U.S. Federal agencies that are closely monitoring the results of such test projects include; Customs and Border Patrol part of the US Department of Homeland Security.

"The Port of Oakland works closely with our local and federal security agencies on a daily basis. We consider seaport security of paramount importance and applaud companies like VeriTainer that are working on developing and testing new security technologies which may prove to enhance seaport security," stated Port of Oakland Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs Harold Jones.

Previous Test Showed Scanning is Effective and Efficient

A similar pilot project (test) was conducted by VeriTainer on Aug. 14 -- Oct. 25, 2005 at the Port of Oakland Ben. E. Nutter terminal on a smaller scale. During that test 6,529 containers were scanned, and each scan took less than 100 seconds. This effective and efficient method of scanning maintains the flow of commerce. The scanning program is being evaluated for use under new homeland security legislation being considered by the U.S. Congress. This new legislation calls for 100% scanning of all container traffic coming into the U.S. by 2010. The VeriSpreader technology also offers significant benefits that are being requested by port operators such as: minimal impact on the flow of commerce; zero radiation exposure from equipment for dockworkers and Customs personnel; and smart software that detects shielding, provides manifest comparisons and ensures landside container security.

This second test is designed to verify previous findings of the sensitivity and accuracy of the VeriTainer technology. The test will extend over a 60-day period under various conditions, involving different types of shipments and other important potential variables.

"It is an extremely important opportunity to be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of our VeriTainer technology at the Port of Oakland under the supervision and guidance of the Department of Homeland Security," stated John Alioto, CEO and Chairman. "The safety and security at our nation's ports is of vital importance. This multi-faceted test will help us demonstrate that VeriTainer has the necessary tools to scan for harmful radiation quickly and cost effectively."

ABOUT VERITAINER

VeriTainer Corporation develops technology to detect radiation in shipping containers to protect the world's ports and shipping areas. VeriTainer was formed on June 23, 2003 by John I. Alioto in the wake of the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. Mr. Alioto became alarmed at the vulnerability of the world's population centers to a potential nuclear attack delivered by shipping container. As a result, he assembled a team of leading scientists and engineers and created VeriTainer's patented technology that will ultimately allow for radiation scanning of 100% of shipping containers that move into US ports. The patented VeriSpreader technology allows for rapid scanning without disrupting the flow of the shipping process.

ABOUT THE PORT OF OAKLAND

The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 19 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the 4th busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport offers more than 200 daily non-stop flights to 39 domestic and international destinations; and the Port's commercial real estate includes Jack London Square, Oakland's premier entertainment spot along the waterfront. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland.

VeriTainer Corporation

CONTACT: Seth Jacobson, +1-310-317-1966, or cell, +1-310-592-3900,seth@jcipr.com, for VeriTainer Corporation

Source: PRNewswire

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