In the works: a new, active RFID-based information network to track and manage containerized ocean cargo.

The network will be built jointly by Savi Technology Inc., a venture-backed provider of active RFID supply chain technologies, and port developer and operator Hutchison Port Holdings.

The new company, called Savi Networks LLC, will build the network by installing active RFID equipment and software in participating ports around the world. The RFID asset tracking network will provide users with information on the identity, location and status of their ocean cargo containers as they pass through ports.

The new company will be initially capitalized with an investment of US$50 million from the joint-venture partners.

Savi Networks will function much like a telecommunications network service provider. Savi Networks will own and operate the network's core infrastructure and will provide RFID asset tracking services on a per-container trip basis.

The new company expects to offer customers a family of active rfid tags, including data rich, visibility and sensor tags, based on ISO 18000-7 standards. These tags would be affixed to containers, transforming them into "smart containers" able to communicate with the network, which will enable users to receive information on location, security and environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity and light, as well as the container's contents.