{"id":6221,"date":"2026-05-11T09:18:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T07:18:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germanports.com\/?p=6221"},"modified":"2026-05-11T09:30:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T07:30:25","slug":"project-completion-north-sea-ports-have-fully-digitalised-container-release","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/germanports.com\/en\/projektabschluss-nordseehaefen-haben-containerfreigabe-vollstaendig-digitalisiert\/","title":{"rendered":"Project completion: North Sea ports have fully digitalised container release"},"content":{"rendered":"

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. <\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Matthias Knicky, Member of the Management Board at Kuehne + Nagel, confirms: \u201eThe 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.\u201c<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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: \u201eWith 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.\u201c<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Marc Dietrich, Managing Director of EUROGATE Container Terminal Bremerhaven (CTB), confirms the successful introduction and integration of the system into existing processes: \u201eWe are very satisfied with the system, its integration into our existing operational processes and the fact that it is now running productively.\u201c<\/p>\n<\/div>

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All North Sea ports in Germany work with digital release via German Ports. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

Photo credits: HHLA<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

Milestones in the introduction of the digital release (Secure Release Order)<\/strong><\/p>\n