Shortsea shipping also made more secure through the Secure Chain
Boosting the resilience of logistics chains also requires the participation of the shortsea sector in the Secure Chain. This represents an important next step toward the secure and reliable release and collection of import containers in the port using a uniform approach – without the use of PIN codes or booking references. In 2026, Rotterdam will therefore implement this in phases.
Connection in full swing
Earlier this year, eight major shortsea shipping lines launched a pilot program to connect their customers and the underlying chains to the Secure Chain. At present, one shortsea shipping line is already fully live. All of these shipping lines are customers of Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals and/or Matrans Rotterdam Terminal, both of which have been using the Secure Chain for deepsea shipping for some time already. Click here for an overview of current participants.
Action required from every link
Are you a shipper, forwarder or inland operator that is part of the shortsea chain of one of the participating shipping lines/ ship agents? Read more about the Solution and the steps you need to take to participate elsewhere on this website. Action is required from every link in the chain!
Participation is important!
Jan Janse, Head of the Seaport Police Rotterdam
“Criminals always look for the weakest link. Therefore, it is a good thing that the Secure Chain is now also focusing on the inclusion of the shortsea sector. We know that routes are shifting, so we must remain extremely vigilant on these high-risk lanes. If you are not resilient as a shortsea shipping line, you can quickly become a target.”
Peter van Buijtenen, Regional Director of Customs for the port of Rotterdam
“I call on all parties in Rotterdam to join the Secure Chain. This would provide Rotterdam with a unified, secure and reliable operational approach. There is still much to be gained, particularly in the shortsea sector. Shortsea terminals and shipping lines may not yet feel the same urgency, but I believe that ultimately, concerns for employee safety will be a key motivator for their participation.”
Harbour Master René de Vries
“Be alert to all forms of undermining. Participate in all relevant initiatives, such as the Secure Chain. A container from South America can first go to Le Havre and then to Rotterdam. That officially makes the origin ‘European,’ but in reality, it is still a high-risk container from South America.”
Further expansion under study
A project is currently being prepared for those shortsea shipping lines and terminals in Rotterdam that are not yet participating in the Secure Chain, either live or through a pilot program. The same applies to the remaining deepsea parties. This will help assess their interest in participating and identify the requirements needed to connect them.
Are you a shortsea shipping line or terminal that has not yet been approached to participate? Register your interest here.