“Releasing containers is now even easier than it was with our own system,” notes Arjen van den Bos, Customer Service Specialist at Boluda Lines. Since the end of March 2026, the shortsea shipping line has been connected to the web version of the Secure Chain. “Because we were one of the first parties in the shortsea sector to go live, I was initially concerned that the switch might put us at a competitive disadvantage. In practice, the opposite has proven true though. The new approach is very user-friendly and much more convenient for customers as well.”
Boluda Lines operates a weekly connection between Rotterdam and Santander in Spain using its own vessel, with onward connections from there to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and West Africa. “We launched our Rotterdam service in 2024,” says Country Manager Netherlands Jolanda Picavet. “In Spain, Boluda Lines is a major player. Globally, however, we are even better known for the towing operations of Boluda Towage.”
Solution works for the entire shortsea sector
Participating in the Secure Chain was an obvious choice for Boluda Lines. Picavet: “At a previous employer, I personally experienced employees being pressured into giving information.” When the shortsea shipping line was asked to participate in the Secure Chain, there was therefore no hesitation. “The concept strongly appeals to us. For the safety of all parties involved and to simplify procedures, the Secure Chain simply needs to be implemented throughout the entire shortsea sector.”
