From March 31, 2024, a radical change will mark the flow of containers from South America to the port of Rotterdam: the introduction of the Secure Chain system is set to drastically alter the container release procedure, making it immune to external threats and establishing a robust barrier against drug trafficking-related crime.
The new operational method involves the creation of a closed logistics chain, managed solely by authorized operators. Secure Chain arises from the need to confront drug trafficking, which has long plagued the port of Rotterdam, through a joint strategy that involves active collaboration between the public and private sectors.
In detail, Secure Chain relies on a digital transmission system for container withdrawal authorizations. An internal operator, once authorized through Secure Chain, will be the only one to have access to the terminal for container pickup. The practice of sharing PIN codes via email, often subject to abuse, will thus become obsolete. Hence, in the Secure Chain, all the information necessary for a safe and reliable container pickup is digitally transferred from one link of the chain to another.
According to the Port Authority, cooperation within the logistics chain is essential for the success of the project. From the shipping company to the ship agent, through to the freight forwarder and the internal operator up to the terminal, all operators are called upon to adopt a renewed operational approach, actively supported by the Authority in pursuing the goal of a safe and resilient port.
Major shipping companies operating routes from South America to Rotterdam, including Cma Cgm, Cosco Shipping, Maersk, Msc, One Oocl, and Zim, are already engaged in the process of connecting their clients to the Secure Chain. They are joined by Hmm, Yang Ming, and soon Evergreen. After the implementation for containers arriving from South America, the goal will be to extend the Secure Chain to other sea-arriving containers in subsequent phases.
The operation of the Secure Chain utilizes the Port Community System of Portbase, the neutral logistics platform for Dutch ports, enhanced by an additional level of authorization to strengthen the security of the transfer of authorizations. This allows for a more efficient operation of all parties involved, from the intelligent reuse of data to complete visibility on the status and planning of imported containers along the entire supply chain.
