Home2025-06-05T10:47:29+02:00

More security
through digitalisation
in our harbours

With the German Ports Secure Release Order, the collection processes are
of the German seaports digitised, standardised and secured.

German Ports Secure Release Order

German Ports: Our vision

German Ports is shaping a secure, transparent and digital future for container handling in German seaports. With a standardised digital approval process, we create transparency, increase security and create a reliable basis for future-proof port logistics.

Roles and parties involved

Shipowner

Freight forwarder & logistician

Terminal

TMS

Process flow

Prozessablauf

News and highlights

FAQ German Ports

German Ports is a joint project of DAKOSY Datenkommunikationssystem AG and dbh Logistics IT AG. The co-operation between the two system houses ensures that the German Ports platform provides you with container and release information for all major German seaports (Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven).

German Ports is pursuing the goal of making the collection process for import containers in the German seaports of Bremerhaven, Hamburg and Wilhelmshaven more secure. A standardised, digital collection process is to replace the current exemption PIN with a pin-free, digital collection authorisation. A standardised process that is not only used at all locations, but also by all economic operators in the supply chain, should also strengthen the attractiveness of German seaports in international competition.

The German seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven are pulling together to put a stop to drug smuggling and better protect container imports in future. To this end, the entire authorisation chain, from the release of the shipping company to the delivery of the container at the terminal, will be mapped digitally in a closed system. The process is expected to become mandatory for shipowners, terminal operators, freight forwarders and transport companies on 1 October 2025.
In order to comply with the legal requirements, German Ports can be used from 1 October 2025.
German Ports is aimed at all companies involved in the container import process. These mainly include shipowners, terminal operators, freight forwarders and transport companies. In addition, providers of transport management systems or software providers can connect to German Ports as service providers for the aforementioned groups.
German Ports can initially be used for the three largest German container ports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven. We will keep you up to date on the German Ports website if an expansion to other German or international seaports is planned.

A basic monthly fee of € 60.00 per contractual partner (DAKOSY for Hamburg, dbh for Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven) is charged for the use of German Ports. In addition, the following costs are charged on a case-by-case basis:

  • Creation of a collection right: € 0.80 per creation
  • Activation of a pick-up right: € 0.80 per activation
  • Forwarding a pick-up right: € 0.40 per forwarding
  • Requesting a collection right: € 0.39 per exempted container

Further information can be found here: Prices - German Ports

To be able to use the new digital exemption procedure, companies can first register at Registration for participation in German Ports - German Ports register. They will then receive the contract documents. As soon as DAKOSY or dbh logistics IT receives these signed documents, the technical connection and activation on the web platforms (German Ports, IMP, BIT) can take place.

We recommend that freight forwarders and transport companies allow sufficient time to realise the IT setup and try out the new processes as part of the test phase. The prerequisite for a successful implementation process is that the companies have first harmonised their internal processes with the new exemption process. In addition, a central contact person must be appointed to coordinate the exchange of information with German Ports. Freight forwarders with their own TMS can connect their interfaces (API / EDI) to German Ports. Here it is important to check in advance which adjustments are required in the TMS and to prepare these accordingly.

Companies can connect their own IT systems via open interfaces, use their existing digital access via the PCS platforms from DAKOSY (IMP) or dbh (BIT) or process the exemptions via the German Ports web platform.
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