AN underwater acoustic beacon designed to locate containers has been introduced by US company Dukane Corporation Seacom Division, according to Lloyd's List.
After extensive sea trials in conjunction with United Towing of Yorkshire, the beacon has been offered to chemical producers, container operators, leasing companies, ship owners and charterers.
Quickly locating and recovering hazardous cargo material can help to reduce the adverse environmental effects of the incident and reduce the cost of the actual search process.
The corrosion-resistant Dukane DK470 Beacon, weighing about 560 grams, is attached to the outside of cargo containers.
Should a container - with an attached beacon - fall overboard, the beacon will activate a water switch, and in turn, generate an acoustic signal.
Because the beacon emits an ultrasonic signal, just above human hearing, its signal can be detected underwater from as far away as two miles.