The GEK TERNA Group has launched the first state-of-the-art mobile X-ray machine in Greece on a trial basis, for the digital inspection and recording of the contents of trucks and cargo containers passing through the country’s land and port entry and exit points.
This innovative equipment, which will be used by the Customs Authority of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR), was presented yesterday at a special event at the Piraeus Port Authority, in the presence of the US Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, the Governor of IAPR, Giorgos Pitsilis, the CEO of ‘Information Society’, Stavros Asthenidis and the General Director of Business Development of GEK Terna, Emmanouil Moustakas.
At the opening of the even, Mr. Moustakas stated: “The first state-of-the-art mobile X-ray machine is to be immediately added to IAPR’s ‘arsenal’ in the fight against smuggling and cross-border crime. The GEK Terna Group is actively contributing to the digital transformation of our ports, through the broader project it is implementing for the Customs Service”.
Ms Guilfoyle pointed out: “Border protection is a fundamental priority and it requires reliable equipment. The delivery of the new system, developed by American technology, substantially strengthens border security and it is part of the strategic partnership between Greece and the USA. Through innovative technologies, such as mobile scanning units, the response to critical threats such as organised crime, terrorism and smuggling is improved. These solutions strengthen the entry points of Greece and, by extension, of Europe, reaffirming the shared commitment to security, stability, and cooperation”.
Mr. Pitsilis highlighted the importance of securing borders and ports with modern technologies, which help the fight against smuggling, in close collaboration with international partners.
Mr. Asthenidis stated: “This is one of the most important strategic projects of the Greek government that responds to critical challenges, such as smuggling, by substantially strengthening our control mechanisms. Through close cooperation with IAPR, the project is progressing towards its completion according to schedule”.
The vehicle’s mode of operation was presented during the event: operators, using X-ray scanning technology, are able to obtain a three-dimensional visualisation of the contents of trucks and containers passing through land borders, ports and major transport hubs.
The mobile X-ray machine enables the full and reliable inspection of cargo without the need to unseal or unload it, ensuring the smooth flow of goods. It is part of the broader digital transformation project of the tax and customs authorities, which was undertaken and is being implemented by the GEK TERNA Group following an international tender by ‘Information Society’. This project includes the installation of specialised equipment (access barriers, cameras for the automatic recognition and recording of license plates, etc.) and the development of an integrated digital system for managing and monitoring the movement of vehicles and cargo containers. Its implementation is expected to contribute decisively to the prevention and suppression of smuggling in critical sectors, such as petroleum products, tobacco products, coffee and alcoholic beverages, as well as to the fight against drug trafficking.
Republication
The project is funded by the ‘Greece 2.0’ – National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
