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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. Sailing area by sailing area, 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.

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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. 

This is how the Secure Chain works

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).

These shipping companies are participating: CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Evergreen, Hapag Lloyd (via Secure Container Release), HMM, Maersk, MSC, ONE, OOCL, Yang Ming and ZIM.

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.

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

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  • News
    24 October 2024

    Press release: Deepsea shipping lines start with connecting Far East and Oceania to the Secure Chain

    Rotterdam, 24 October 2024 – Companies that handle import containers from the Far East and Oceania are next in line for participation in the Secure Chain in the port of Rotterdam. The shipping lines and their ship agents have already started connecting these parties. As of the 3rd of February 2025, containers from both shipping […]

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  • News
    27 September 2024

    Start operating carrier check at RWG

    Automatic control at the terminal gate on the operating carrier. This new way of working always ensures that the right driver is given access to the terminal. Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG), as the fourth container terminal in Rotterdam, has started rolling out this final link in the Secure Chain. Starting from 1 October 2024, RWG […]

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  • News
    18 September 2024

    Newsletter: Deadline 1 October rapidly approaching

    The third phase of the implementation of the Secure Chain in the port of Rotterdam is in full swing. The container shipping lines are busily connecting companies with import containers from Africa, the Middle East, India and Pakistan. The deadline for this is the 1st of October 2024. Starting from this date, the shipping lines/ship […]

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  • News
    16 September 2024

    Press release: 500,000 containers handled via Secure Chain already

    Rotterdam, 16 September 2024 –This week, the 500,000th import container was securely and reliably handled via the Secure Chain in the port of Rotterdam. Shipping lines no longer issue PIN codes, which are susceptible to fraud, for these containers. The new operational approach has now become standard practice in Rotterdam for all import containers from […]

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The Secure Chain in figures

18 November 2024

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Shipping lines
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Terminals

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 groupPortbase service
Shipping lines/Ship agentsCargo Declaration Import
Shippers/ForwardersCargo Controller, Cargo Release Manager
Inland operators Hinterland Container Notification
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