GE Security, part of General Electric Co.'s infrastructure division, and China International Marine Containers Co. last week introduced a "smart" container featuring an integrated security sensor that the companies hope eventually will create smoother and safer sailing for goods worldwide.

GE Security and CIMC say their smart containers will make shipping safer. Photo by Beatrice de Gea/Los Angeles Times

CIMC has fitted its tamper-evident containers with GE Security's CommerceGuard sensors, which can be used to identify a container's location and send alerts if the container is opened. The smart containers, scheduled for availability the second half of this year, will cost about $100 more than standard containers.

CIMC, GE Security, and Unisys, recently tested the technology by sending GE products packed in 18 smart containers between Hong Kong and Long Beach, Calif. Twelve were allowed to pass without inspection; five were opened along the way as part of the test and properly recorded these intrusions. Another was opened unexpectedly by a customs inspector, but likewise passed the test. The companies say this was the first time these tamper-evident containers were tested under actual shipping conditions.