Interview • 21.05.2025
“PIN code fraud” is reduced to zero
Interview with Oliver Erdmann from the Port Security Center
As part of the transition to the digital release process, DAKOSY is in direct contact with the Port Security Center (HSZ-Hafensicherheitszentrum). The center was founded almost a year ago to specifically combat drug smuggling through the Port of Hamburg. In this interview, Oliver Erdmann from the Port Security Center provides an insight into what the Center does and its role for the port industry.
When was the Port Security Center founded and what was the motivation behind it?
The idea of the Port Security Center was hatched in October 2023 at the high-profile port security summit in Hamburg. One of the measures adopted there was the “Alliance for a Secure Port.” The objective was to join forces in the fight against organized crime through closer networking and a centrally coordinated exchange of information. Barely a half year later, on May 31, 2024, we were able to open the Port Security Center. It is responsible for interdisciplinary tasks, including collaboration with representatives of customs, the State Criminal Police Office, the waterway police and the Hamburg Port Authority. Our activities are based on three main elements: investigative support, a contact point for the port industry, including prevention measures, and situation reporting and analysis.
What evidence do you have of a major increase in drug smuggling?
In 2023, roughly 35 tons of cocaine were seized in the Port of Hamburg. However, this figure means little, as we are dealing with a large number of undiscovered cases. And yet there is a trend: overall, the quantity seized in the Port of Hamburg has more than quintupled in the past five years. This is one indicator that we are seeing a massive increase in cocaine smuggling. A second indicator is the increasingly large size of individual seizures - for example, the 16 tons of cocaine that Hamburg customs seized in February 2021.
In your opinion, what can the digitalization of the import process (Secure Release Order) help achieve in this context?
Previously, a pick-up was initiated by a release reference number generated by the carrier. This PIN code could be forwarded to multiple locations. As a result, it was difficult to trace who had received and used the reference code. Moreover, there was no verification as to whether the person collecting the container was authorized to do so. This vulnerability needed to be rectified, in our view, by altering the Hamburg Port Security Act, which the Hamburg parliament has since amended. As a result, the digital release process will become a legal requirement at container terminals in the future. The Secure Release Order ensures that these new requirements are implemented systematically so that the vulnerabilities that were identified can now be comprehensively eliminated. We are committed to ensuring greater security in the release process and welcome the ongoing digitalization. In future, there will always be a cross-check to determine whether the person who is picking up is authorized. In addition, only one person can hold the authorization for pick-up. This increases security considerably, and so-called “PIN code fraud” is reduced to zero.
How is the Port Security Center assisting with the introduction of the digital release?
We see our role as providing specialist technical advice. Through our investigations, we know the existing weak points, such as PIN code fraud, which has repeatedly made it possible for parties without proper authorization to pick up containers contaminated with cocaine. Both the police and customs authorities take part in these consultations. We advise on how these loopholes can be effectively closed or at least minimized. We see the interaction with the commercial sector as an ongoing process, knowing that organized crime will also try to adapt.
What other port processes need to be newly considered from a security perspective?
Terminals, for example, are also a key factor. In cooperation with the operators, we are helping to establish greater traceability. One important step is the new digital access system for truck drivers, which is replacing the physical "Trucker-Card." We are also looking at improving perimeter security to prevent unauthorized entry to the terminals. Together with the port industry, we are also working on awareness training to increase employee sensibility.
How important is it to change the way people think - do we need a different mindset in the port industry?
In addition to all the digital and technological measures, employee protection is of course a priority. People simply shouldn't be afraid to work in the port. This is precisely where our awareness training comes in. We have now educated over 2,000 employees as to how they can protect themselves more effectively. Our key message is to distance yourself if you are contacted. A clear “NO” usually makes sure that you are left alone.
What else can companies do to protect their employees and their businesses more effectively?
It is crucial that companies are motivated to take responsibility and invest in employee protection and thus in their own company's future. The point is to maintain secure and therefore attractive jobs in the port industry. This includes physical protection such as fences, as well as technological protection - for example video surveillance, digital protection in the form of traceable processes, and limited access rights. However, a key aspect is also “inner resilience”, which can be achieved through awareness, prevention and operational support for employees at risk.
Is there a fundamental principle that can be drawn from your work and applied to the business world?
The police work according to one basic principle: what I don't know makes me invulnerable. Applied to operational logistics processes, this translates as follows: if employees only have access to information about the processes that are relevant to their specific jobs, this is one of the best forms of protection.
