The solution
From unknown to authorised
For the secure and reliable release and collection of containers, the Secure Chain creates a closed logistics chain from the shipping line/ship agent via the shipper, forwarder and inland operator to the container terminal. This chain comprises only known, authorised parties. Portbase has been asked to make it easy for all parties to participate via the services in the Port Community System of the Dutch ports.
Secure release and collection explained
What you need to do beforehand
Before parties are able to securely and reliably release and collect containers via the Secure Chain, they first need to complete several steps. The process starts with the shipping line/ship agent, which 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 next link in the chain about the new operational approach. In this way, all parties are informed and are asked to ensure that they have access to the appropriate Portbase service. Once the entire chain is ready, the customer (the release-to-party) notifies the shipping line/ship agent. Now, the secure and reliable release and collection of containers via the Secure Chain can truly begin.
How it works in practice
In the Secure Chain, the release – which means the right to collect a container – is passed digitally from one link in the chain to the next, starting with the shipping line/ship agent. Only an inland operator that has been authorised in this way is able to pre-notify its arrival at the terminal and then securely collect the container there. The container terminal always knows who to expect.
No more PIN codes
The Secure Chain no longer requires PIN codes for the release and collection of 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.
Concrete requirements
To facilitate the exchange of data between parties in 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