News • 03.06.2024
German Ports
Digital release for container imports is coming
A standardized digital release process for container imports via German sea ports is being launched under the name "Secure Release Order." Everything you need to know about the new procedure and what will change for everyone involved is summarized here in "Questions & Answers."
Advantages of the Secure Release Order at a glance
- Authentication and transfer of release rights
- Documentation of the timeline history of release rights
- Authorized companies can be clearly verified
- Protection from unauthorized data access
- Data records cannot be manipulated
- Unique identification of truck drivers
- Triple security through a clear link between Secure Release Order, route plan and truck driver
Why is the release process currently being focused on?
With the comprehensive digitalization of the release process, the two logistics software service providers DAKOSY und dbh want help 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. This topic is also on the agenda in the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp.
How does the "Secure Release Order" work?
The key to the secure deployment of containers is the digitalization of the entire release process with the "Secure Release Order." This ensures that from the time the container arrives on the dockside at the port until it is picked up 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.
Who can participate and how is data exchanged?
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.
To what extent is container pick-up transparent?
An optional slot booking process for trucks as well as a 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 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.
What’s next on the timetable?
The "Secure Release Order" is intended to gradually replace the previous pin code-based procedure. The initiators DAKOSY and dbh are planning to start operations in the second half of this year with a pilot group in which all participating industries are represented. As soon as the process is stable and error-free, the first steps will be taken to progressively onboard more companies.
How and why did German Ports originate?
At a conference of the coastal federal states in 2019, the two IT companies DAKOSY and dbh were asked to offer joint digital services for the German sea ports, in particular to increase the attractiveness of the German container sea ports in competition with more westerly ports. In 2021, DAKOSY and dbh launched the joint project under the label German Ports. A particular focus is on establishing standardized processes for container and release information for all major German sea ports (Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven). The corresponding information streams run via the German Ports IT platform.
What is the background to the digitalization of the release?
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.
