Together, we make our logistics more secure
A more secure and reliable collection of import containers. The Secure Chain is actively pursuing this. As the logistics chain, together we create a closed release and collection process that solely involves authorised parties. PIN codes will be eliminated.
The Secure Chain is a joint initiative of the authorities and the business community for digitally boosting the resilience of the port logistics chains. The secure and reliable release and collection of import containers in the Dutch ports is an important component of that. The Secure Chain will first be implemented in Rotterdam. The process is straightforward, but does require a new operational approach for each link. All parties need to take action.
The 12 largest deepsea shipping lines and ship agents have already made the switch. They no longer issue PIN codes for all containers arriving in the port of Rotterdam under their supervision. The next step is for the shortsea sector to join as well.
Realised
The 12 largest deepsea shipping lines/ship agents no longer issue PIN codes for all container cargo arriving in Rotterdam under their supervision.
2026
Implementation of Secure Chain for shortsea containers entering the port of Rotterdam
This is how the Secure Chain works
In the Secure Chain, a closed chain is created from the shipping line/shipagent via the shipper/forwarder and the inland operator (truck, train barge) that solely comprises authorised parties. These parties securely exchange ‘need-to-know’ data with one another. The use of PIN codes, which are susceptible to fraud, is eliminated. Only a inland operator that has been authorised via the Secure Chain is able to pre-notify its arrival at the terminal and collect the container there.
Each link has its own role to play
Shipping line/Ship agent
In the Secure Chain, you digitally send the release for the collection of an import container to your customer (the forwarder/shipper).
The following deepsea shipping lines/ship agents are participating: CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd (via Secure Container Release), HMM, Maersk, Marfret, MSC, ONE, OOCL, Yang Ming and ZIM.
This shortsea shipping line/ship agent is participating: CMA CGM Short Sea Lines (SSL) Intra North Europe. Seven other shortsea shipping lines are participating in a pilot program.
Shipper
As a shipper (the so-called release-to-party), you digitally receive the release to collect the import container from the shipping line/shipping agent in the Secure Chain. You transfer this authorisation to the next link (your forwarder or the inland operator).
Forwarder
In the Secure Chain, you digitally receive the release to collect an import container either directly from the shipping line/shipping agent (as the so-called release-to-party) or from the shipper. You transfer this authorisation to the next link (a different forwarder or the transport operator).
Inland operator
Truck, train and barge
In the Secure Chain, you digitally receive the authorisation to collect an import container from the shipper or forwarder. You next submit the pre-notification to the terminal and collect the container or transfer this authorisation to another inland operator.
Terminal
In the Secure Chain, only authorised inland operators are able to submit pre-notifications to your terminal. You always know who is coming to collect the import container.
These deep-sea and short-sea terminals are participating: APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, ECT Delta terminal, ECT Euromax terminal (beide onderdeel van Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam), Hutchison Ports Delta II, Matrans Rotterdam Terminal, Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals and Rotterdam World Gateway.
Software supplier
As a software supplier, you make it possible for each link in the Secure Chain to automate their operations. By means of API interfaces, you realise and optimal link-up for your customers.
Latest news from the Secure Chain
The Secure Chain in figures
1 December 2025
Easily connect
The Secure Chain works via the services in the Port Community System of Portbase. For more than twenty years already, most data exchange in the port logistics chains has securely and reliably been running through this neutral logistics platform for the Dutch ports.
Portbase has added an additional authorisation layer to various services to facilitate the Secure Chain. This means an adjustment for existing customers. Shippers/forwarders who are new to Portbase can connect to a paid service that offers extensive options, or to a free basic service.
| Target group | Portbase service |
|---|---|
| Shipping lines/Ship agents | Cargo Declaration Import |
| Shippers/Forwarders | Cargo Controller, Cargo Release Manager |
| Inland operators | Hinterland Container Notification |