Hi-tech scanners to screen containers, trucks

Manama, May 26 (BNA): Bahrain has imported four hi-tech scanners to screen containers and lorries. The Customs Affairs had signed an agreement with the Swiss-based Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) to import the latest generation of the hi-tech Nuctech equipment. “The King Fahd Causeway and the Khalifa bin Salman Seaport will each get two scanners to screen trucks and container.”, said Customs President Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al-Khalifa. The new scanning technologies fulfill the second goal of the customs strategic plan (2017-2020) to supply this vital sector with financial resources and cutting-edge technologies. The ministry invited bids in mid-2017 to supply the customs affairs with latest scanning equipment. The package was then awarded to SGS. The scanners are expected to be installed, along with their facilities and compartments, within 14 months. The customs officers will be able to process 120 trucks on average per hour, using the new hi-tech devices, up from 20 lorries at present. “The new scanners will slash the waiting time for checking goods and enhance the performance of the customs procedures”, said Shaikh Ahmed.