A standardised digital release process for containers imported into German sea ports is being launched under the name “Secure Release Order.” This is intended to gradually replace the previously used PIN code-based process. Initiators DAKOSY and dbh expect to launch the introductory phase in the second half of this year.

With the comprehensive digitalization of the release process, the two logistics software service providers want make pick-ups in German sea ports more secure and at the same time establish effective measures to protect against organized criminal activities and the import of drugs via German sea ports.

The key is the digitalization of the entire release process with the “Secure Release Order.” This ensures that from the container’s arrival on the docks at the sea port until its collection by the transport company, it is always clear who is authorized for the disposition of the container. The container can only be released from one authorized party to the next. Each party digitally transfers the “authorization for pick-up” to the next party along the transport chain. This identity-based “authorization for pick-up” will gradually replace the previous anonymous PIN procedure. Operations will be rolled out step-by-step in the second half of 2024.

The new process involves all participants in the transport chain, including carriers, terminals, freight forwarders and transport companies. Communication is no longer direct, but will be encrypted via the neutral and multi-site IT platform German Ports, which DAKOSY and dbh operate jointly. The IT platform can be used to verify who is the final rights holder at any given time. For example, terminal operators will be able to check in German Ports whether the company which arrives to pick up the container actually holds the authorization for pick-up.

The slot booking process for trucks and the driver registration process at the terminals are also integrated into German Ports. As a result, there is a clear digital link between the authorization for pick-up, the transport pre-announcement and the truck driver.

The standardized digital process significantly improves the security of import clearances in several ways, including the following:

• Authentication and transfer of release rights
• Documentation of the timeline history of release rights in German Ports
• Protection from unauthorized data access and manipulation using encrypted safeguarding of information in the German Ports IT platform

The German Ports IT platform is integrated into the existing Port Community Systems. For the ports of Bremen and Wilhelmshaven, this is the Business Information and Tracking Platform (BIT) from dbh and for the Port of Hamburg, the Import Management Platform (IMP) from DAKOSY. In 2021, the two software companies launched the joint project under the label German Ports with the aim of creating standardized solutions for all German sea ports and thereby boosting the attractiveness of the maritime locations in international competition.

DAKOSY and dbh gained considerable momentum for the project to digitalize container releases as a result of the Port Security Conference with the port industry and security authorities in Hamburg at the end of October 2023. The concluding statement noted: “The common goal is a secure process for releasing containers through encrypted, traceable and clearly restricted data access.” This consensus to make the process more secure has since become a crucial driver of the project.