05 May 2026 | The software service providers DAKOSY and dbh have successfully completed the major project for the cross-port digitalisation of container release (Secure Release Order) via the German Ports IT platform. In just one year, the two companies finalised the project from the registration of the first participant to the connection of all stakeholders involved.

The digital release process is the first time that a uniform standard has been established across all ports for the German North Sea ports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven. Users include the container terminals, shipping companies and the freight forwarders and transport companies involved.

The seamless digital authorisation process completely replaces the previously used PIN-based procedure. The basis is the digital authorisation for collection. This is passed on from one participant to the next within the transport chain in a secure and modern role and authorisation management system. In a step-by-step change process that lasted six months, all companies involved were connected and the new process was established as the standard. Over 700,000 digital authorisations have already been issued across all ports this year.

Matthias Knicky, Member of the Management Board at Kuehne + Nagel, confirms: „The implementation of the Secure Release Order process went smoothly and represents an important further step towards increasing port security with efficient processes. With the new system and the standardised technical solution, we are also creating the basis for digitalising the entire process holistically and significantly better.“

The binding legal framework for the digital container release process in Hamburg and Bremen is an amendment to the Port Security Act, which came into force in October 2025.

The cross-national collaboration between politicians, the port industry and the two software companies DAKOSY and dbh has resulted in an end-to-end digital process chain that goes far beyond the regulation. This includes the entire process from the arrival of the container to its collection in the German North Sea ports.

With the uniform standard that applies across all ports, the North Sea ports are working together to combat drug smuggling and minimise a gateway for misuse and data leaks through the targeted use of digitalisation. According to Jens Hansen, Chief Operating Officer, Port of Hamburg and Logistics (HHLA), the positive effects are clear: „With the new standardised and clearly defined processes, we are increasing the security of our terminal processes and employees enormously. This benefits not only us as the operator, but also all partners along the entire logistics chain.“

In addition to the effective fight against drug smuggling, the uniform digital standard in the North Sea ports has noticeably increased transparency and efficiency in container handling. Feedback from the industry shows the operational benefits of the German Ports service. These include faster availability of goods, more transparent processes, greater planning reliability and fewer queries thanks to the improved data quality.

Marc Dietrich, Managing Director of EUROGATE Container Terminal Bremerhaven (CTB), confirms the successful introduction and integration of the system into existing processes: „We are very satisfied with the system, its integration into our existing operational processes and the fact that it is now running productively.“

All North Sea ports in Germany work with digital release via German Ports.

Photo credits: HHLA

Milestones in the introduction of the digital release (Secure Release Order)

• 14 April 2024: Start of the application/registration phase
• 1 October 2025: Amendment to the Hamburg and Bremen Port Security Act comes into force
• 1 October 2025: Start of travel operations with gradual onboarding of terminals, freight forwarders, importers and transporters
• 23 March 2026: Lorry drivers are the last group of participants to be included in the process

About DAKOSY Datenkommunikationssystem AG
As one of the leading software houses for logistics, DAKOSY has been providing digital solutions for international freight forwarding and customs clearance as well as supply chain management for over 40 years. In addition, DAKOSY operates the Port Community System (PCS) for the Port of Hamburg and, through the allivate joint venture with Fraport AG, administers the Cargo Community System (FAIR@Link) for Frankfurt and Hamburg airports. All companies and authorities involved in import and export processes can use these digital platforms to handle their transport processes quickly and with maximum automation.

Further informationc at: www.dakosy.de

Contact person: Katrin Woywod, Press Officer DAKOSY
Phone: +49 40 37003320, e-mail: woywod@dakosy.de

About dbh Logistics IT AG

Since 1973, dbh Logistics IT AG has stood for reliable IT in logistics. Founded in Bremen. Today a leader in software and consulting for customs, foreign trade, compliance, shipping and transport, port management as well as SAP, Microsoft Business Central and cloud services. The company thinks holistically. It delivers integrated solutions. For smooth logistics chains worldwide. The portfolio is end-to-end. From strategy and process consulting to development, implementation, support and hosting. Operated in its own ISO/IEC 27001-certified data centres. Secure. Highly available. Reliable. In addition to Bremen, the company has five other locations in Germany. Over 300 employees are committed to more than 5,500 customers. From industry and trade. From freight forwarding and logistics. From shipping and the harbour.

Further information at www.dbh.de 

Contact person: Gerrit Naß, Team Leader Marketing dbh Logistics IT AG
Phone: +49 421 30902103, e-mail: presse@dbh.de