The port of Rotterdam has processed its 500,000th import container via the Secure Chain system, marking a significant step towards enhanced supply chain security and fraud prevention.
This milestone, reached in just over ten months, underscores the widespread adoption of the Secure Chain approach for handling deepsea import containers. Since April 1st, all containers from Latin America have been processed through the system, with North American cargo added on July 1st. Starting October 1st, containers from Africa, the Middle East, India, and Pakistan will also be included.
The Secure Chain eliminates the use of PIN codes—a long-standing vulnerability in the logistics chain—by replacing them with a fully digital authorization process. Shipping lines no longer issue PINs to hauliers, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized access to containers.
Instead, a secure digital process allows shipping lines, shippers, freight forwarders, and carriers to transfer the right to collect a container. This is done via Portbase, the neutral Dutch port community system. Only an authorized haulier, barge operator, or rail operator—verified within the system—can access the terminal to pick up containers.
The process is straightforward in theory but transformative in practice. By digitizing handovers and limiting access to known, trusted parties, the system strengthens supply chain integrity across the board.
The collaboration behind the Secure Chain is broad, involving the business community and Dutch authorities, including Dutch Customs, the Seaport Police, the Municipality of Rotterdam, and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Major shipping lines and all deepsea terminals in Rotterdam have committed to the system.
An additional layer of security has been added at the terminal gates, where automated checks verify the operating carrier before allowing entry. This ensures that only the correct driver gains access—an important safeguard against cargo theft.
With 500,000 containers now securely handled via the Secure Chain, Rotterdam is setting a precedent for ports worldwide. The gradual expansion to all deepsea import containers is in motion, reflecting a broader industry trend toward digitization and tighter security in container handling.
The question is no longer whether ports will follow Rotterdam’s lead, but how quickly they can adapt their own processes to match this level of security and efficiency.
