Article • 04.12.2024
Transition phase for German Ports
Hapag Lloyd enters PIN-free release process
In the first quarter of 2025 , Hapag-Lloyd will become the first shipping company to switch its release process for containers imported through German seaports to a PIN-free solution. This marks the launch of the transition phase towards the standardized digital release process, which was developed by DAKOSY and dbh Logistics together with the relevant port enterprises as part of German Ports - Secure Release Order.
The name “Secure Relase Order” says it all. The new procedure establishes effective protection in the fight against organized crime and drug imports via German seaports. The manually-generated PIN number which was previously used to access an import container will be replaced by a digitalized and anonymized process via German Ports' neutral IT platform.
Transition phase to start in the first quarter of 2025
Pilot partner Hapag-Lloyd is the first participant to introduce the “Secure Release Order” into its standard operations. The company's project manager Ann-Kristin Grell outlines the objectives: “Following the transition to the PIN-free process which has already been completed in the Benelux countries, we also want to switch to the PIN-free process in the German seaports as quickly as possible. This will help us to increase security at the ports and prevent drug-related crime. However, the priority is to effectively protect and safeguard our employees.”
How the transitional phase works
In practical terms, this means that then the release documents issued by Hapag-Lloyd will no longer contain a PIN. Ms. Grell clarifies: “It is essential that we do not store any data in the pick-up references. Our systems will no longer show under which PIN a container is released and can be picked up.” During the transition phase, German Ports automatically triggers the generation of a random PIN and sends it separately to the recipient of the shipment or their authorized representative by email. Prior registration and authentication of the recipient via German Ports ensures that only authorized persons have access to the container. If a PIN is lost or has not been transmitted, it becomes invalid. Ms. Grell explains what would happen in this case: “A new release document would be issued and the process initiated from the beginning, as neither Hapag-Lloyd nor the service providers can store or backup the PIN.”
Onboarding of additional user groups
Parallel to the transition phase, the finalization of the German Ports module “Secure Release Order” for the PIN-free release process is being further advanced. The PIN procedure will then be replaced by the digital “Authorization for Pick-up” for all user groups. With the “Authorization for Pick-up,” the release of the container will in future be transferred from one authorized party to the next. All those involved in the import process will participate, i.e. shipping companies, terminals, freight forwarders, transport companies, rail operators, subcontractors and other service providers. The Secure Release Order creates complete transparency throughout the import process, starting with the container's arrival at the waterside port right through to its pick-up by the transport company. It is always clear who is authorized for the disposition of the container. The chain is also fully documented retrospectively.
