Port of Rotterdam enhances security for import-container chain

Starting 31 March 2024, import containers arriving at the port of Rotterdam from Latin America will exclusively be released through the Secure Chain, ensuring both security and reliability.

This new operational approach establishes a closed logistics system involving only recognized and authorized parties. The implementation of the Secure Chain is one aspect of a collaborative effort between public and private sectors to combat drug-related crimes in the port of Rotterdam.

Within the Secure Chain framework, companies digitally transfer authorization for container collection at the terminal among others. Access to the terminal is restricted to authorized inland operators exclusively linked through the Secure Chain. The practice of using PIN codes for container collection, which is susceptible to potential abuse, will be discontinued.

“The time of widely shared PIN codes via email is over. In the Secure Chain, all the information that is required for the secure and reliable collection of a container is transferred digitally from one link to the next,” stated the spokesperson for the Secure Chain.

The implementation of the Secure Chain enhances the resilience of Dutch port logistics against external interference. Full participation of all stakeholders in the logistics chain is crucial for its effectiveness.

This participation commences with the shipping line or ship agent and extends through the shipper, forwarder, inland operator (truck, train, inland shipping), and finally to the terminal. The Secure Chain introduces a new operational approach for all these entities. The Port Authority facilitated this collaboration to ensure a secure and resilient port environment.

CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Maersk, MSC, ONE, OOCL, and ZIM are the shipping lines servicing Rotterdam from Latin America. They are progressively integrating their clients into the Secure Chain.

HMM, Yang Ming, and soon Evergreen are already operational within the Secure Chain framework. After addressing import containers from Latin America, these shipping lines and agents will gradually extend the implementation of the Secure Chain to other incoming deep-sea containers.

Furthermore, the Secure Chain represents a collaborative effort between the business sector and authorities aimed at bolstering the digital resilience of current port logistics operations, particularly focusing on the secure and reliable release and collection of import containers within Dutch ports.

According to a statement, operating primarily through Portbase’s Port Community System, the neutral logistics platform for Dutch ports, the Secure Chain integrates an additional authorization layer onto existing digital services.

Also, this enhancement facilitates the secure transfer of authorization for container collection among various stakeholders. Moreover, it enables all parties to enhance operational efficiency by leveraging data reuse intelligently and gaining comprehensive visibility into the status and scheduling of import containers across the logistics chain.