Secure Chain Expands to Cover All Intercontinental Imports
The port of Rotterdam has officially completed the transition to a fully digital and secure container release system, marking the end of fraud-sensitive PIN codes for all intercontinental import containers. With the recent integration of the Far East and Oceania into the Secure Chain, all deep-sea shipping lines and their agents must now use this secure digital process to authorize container pickups.
The shift represents a significant milestone in port security and operational efficiency. Since the launch of the Secure Chain, more than 1.1 million import containers have been processed under this system, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing fraud and unauthorized access.
A Digital Shield Against Container Fraud
For years, PIN codes were the standard method for collecting containers at Rotterdam’s deep-sea terminals. However, this system was highly vulnerable to misuse. PINs were often widely shared across the supply chain, increasing the risk of theft and unauthorized container pickups.
The Secure Chain eliminates these risks by replacing PIN codes with a closed-loop digital authorization process. Instead of sharing static codes, shipping lines now digitally pass on the right to collect a container to verified parties only. From the shipping line to the shipper or forwarder, and eventually to the inland operator—each link in the chain is securely connected. Only pre-authorized inland operators, such as hauliers, barge operators, or rail operators, can access the terminals to collect cargo.
Industry-Wide Collaboration
The transition to the Secure Chain has been a collective effort involving the entire logistics community, government agencies, and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Jan Janse, Head of the Seaport Police Rotterdam, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “I can say with confidence that these measures have made the port substantially more secure.”
In addition to law enforcement agencies, the initiative has received backing from Dutch Customs, the Municipality of Rotterdam, and the Portbase digital logistics platform. Portbase plays a crucial role in facilitating the Secure Chain, integrating an additional authorization layer into its Port Community System (PCS). This allows seamless adoption for logistics companies already using PCS, while new participants are encouraged to register in advance due to the technical onboarding requirements.
Step-by-Step Rollout Now Complete
The Secure Chain has been gradually implemented across different global trade routes, with the final phase now completed:
- Latin America (March 31, 2024)
- North America (July 1, 2024)
- Africa, Middle East, India & Pakistan (October 1, 2024)
- Far East & Oceania (February 3, 2025)
With this final integration, all major intercontinental import containers arriving in Rotterdam must now comply with the Secure Chain system. Additionally, Hapag-Lloyd will integrate its Secure Container Release platform into the Secure Chain, ensuring a uniform process across all participating shipping lines.
Who’s On Board?
The Secure Chain has secured the participation of all major deep-sea shipping lines, including:
- CMA CGM
- COSCO Shipping
- Evergreen
- Hapag-Lloyd
- HMM
- Maersk
- Marfret
- MSC
- ONE
- OOCL
- Yang Ming
- ZIM
With over 2,000 shippers/forwarders and 1,000 inland operators already operating under the new system, Rotterdam’s port logistics sector has undergone a major digital transformation aimed at enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency.
Future Developments in Secure Logistics
Beyond container release security, the Secure Chain is driving additional improvements in port logistics. One key initiative is automatic verification of inland operators at terminal gates. Using EAN numbers linked to CargoCards, this system ensures that only the authorized party collecting a container can gain access. Terminals already implementing this system include ECT Delta, ECT Euromax, Hutchison Ports Delta II, and Rotterdam World Gateway, with APM Terminals Maasvlakte II preparing for integration.
With fraud prevention and operational efficiency at its core, the Secure Chain sets a new standard for global port logistics. As digital security measures become the norm, the Port of Rotterdam continues to position itself as a leader in secure and resilient cargo handling.
