The solution
From unknown to authorised
From the shipping line/ship agent via the shipper, the forwarder and the inland operator to the container terminal, the Secure Chain creates a closed logistics chain that solely comprises familiar, authorised parties. PIN codes are eliminated from the process.
Together, these parties realise a digitally and physically secure release and collection process for import containers in the port of Rotterdam by means of the Secure Chain. To facilitate this, Portbase has added an additional authorisation layer to various services in the Port Community System of the Dutch ports.
The Secure Chain entails more. Read more about the other initiatives to digitally enhance the resilience of the port logistics processes here. One example is the verification of the operating carrier by the terminals.
The Secure Chain explained
This is what you do beforehand
The Secure Chain starts with the shipping line/ship agent. This party invites its customer (the so-called release-to-party) to participate. In many cases, this is the shipper or forwarder. In turn, this party informs the subsequent link in the chain about the new operational approach. Prior to the start, all parties are informed in this way and are asked to ensure that they have the correct Portbase service at their disposal. Once the entire chain is ready, the customer (the release-to-party) notifies the shipping line/shipagent of this. Now, the Secure Chain is really ready to commence.
This is how the Secure Chain works
In the Secure Chain, each participant digitally transfers the authorisation to collect a container (or have it collected) to a subsequent link in the chain. Only a inland operator that has been authorised via the Secure Chain is able to pre-notify its arrival at the terminal to next securely collect the container there. The terminal always knows who to expect.
PIN codes phased out
The introduction of the Secure Chain means PIN codes are no longer required to release and collect containers. This eliminates the potential risk of unauthorised use. The Secure Chain solely comprises familiar, authorised parties who only exchange ‘need-to-know’ data with one another in a secure manner. Together, parties are making the port logistics processes more resilient.
This is what you concretely need
To facilitate the Secure Chain, Portbase has added an extra authorisation layer to a number of existing services in the Port Community System of the Dutch ports. For new parties who need to connect to Portbase for the Secure Chain, a free basic service is available as an extra option. This makes it possible to securely transfer the authorisation to collect an import container from one link to the next for everyone.
The Secure Chain results in
The benefits at a glance
A uniform and much more secure collection process for import containers
A reliable logistics chain that solely comprises authorised parties who mutually exchange data on a need-to-know basis
Insight into the status of containers throughout the entire chain
Structural, consistently secure and trusted chain collaboration
Reuse of data by authorised parties
No costs for release and the authorisation of parties
Phased implementation
The Secure Chain is aimed at the Dutch ports. It is currently being introduced first in the port of Rotterdam. The 12 largest shipping lines/ship agents in the deepsea sector have now joined. Shortsea shipping is next.
Realised
PIN codes are no longer required for all container cargo arriving in Rotterdam under the supervision of the 12 largest deepsea shipping lines/ship agents
2026
Implementation of the Secure Chain for shortsea containers arriving at the port of Rotterdam