Greece has officially entered a new era in customs security with the introduction of its first mobile X-ray inspection system with backscatter technology, enabling the quick and efficient differentiation between organic and non-organic materials. The new “Osprey” system is currently under trial operation by the Hellenic Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR), marking the beginning of a new era for the country in conducting fast and non-intrusive inspections of vehicles and cargo to combat smuggling.
Our company, the official representative in Greece of the manufacturing company Viken Detection, participates in the implementation of the project as the security technology partner of TERNA ENERGY ASSET MANAGEMENT S.A., a member of the GEK TERNA Group. The “Talos” project provides for the delivery of 6 mobile and 16 fixed X-ray systems (Harrier) to the Customs Service of the IAPR.
The system was first presented a few days ago at a special event at the Piraeus Port Authority, in the presence of the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Ms. Kimberly Guilfoyle, the Governor of IAPR, Mr. Giorgos Pitsilis, the CEO of the Information Society SA, Mr. Stavros Asthenidis, and the General Manager of Business Development at GEK TERNA Group, Mr. Emmanouil Moustakas. “In choosing Viken for its border management solutions, Greece once again demonstrates its commitment to the highest level of security and integrity. Thank you to Viken and PROTON, whose partnership made this happen” Ms. Guilfoyle stated, among other remarks.
During the event, the operation of the vehicle was presented: operators, through X-ray scanning technology, are able to generate three-dimensional images of the contents of trucks and containers passing through land borders, ports, and major transportation hubs.
Viken Detection, headquartered in the United States, specializes in detecting threats such as weapons, explosives, narcotics, and hazardous materials using advanced X-ray imaging and analysis systems. The company develops and provides a range of portable and fixed solutions designed for security, law enforcement, and the protection of critical infrastructure.