Enhanced Information Technology Safeguards Implemented to Combat Container Theft in Northern German Ports
Bremerhaven, Germany - The port of Bremerhaven is set to implement a new Secure Release Order (SRO) digital system starting from 1 October 2025. This innovative system aims to prevent container theft and drug smuggling by replacing the traditional PIN-based container release with a secure, traceable digital container release order.
The new digital system promises enhanced security by encrypting pick-up rights, issued exclusively through the "German Ports" platform, preventing any misuse or duplication of container release credentials. Anonymous PINs will be replaced with personalised digital authorizations, allowing for tracking of who is authorised to handle each container from arrival at the port until pick-up.
Standardising container release procedures across terminals and aligning them with terminal operators’ systems will increase operational transparency. The digital system will also allow carriers, vendors, and logistics providers to obtain container release authorizations, improving control and reducing the risk of fraud or theft.
The comprehensive digital approach complies with the new regulatory requirements of the German Port Security Act and strengthens cargo security by controlling and monitoring the entire chain of custody for containers.
While specific physical or procedural anti-smuggling tactics in Bremerhaven are not detailed, the emphasis on traceability, verified access, and secure authorisation aims to significantly reduce opportunities for container theft and unauthorised manipulation, indirectly making drug smuggling more difficult.
The Bremen State Councilor Kai Stührenberg (Left Party) supports the new digital system, and Eurogate, the terminal operator, is involved in its implementation. The Bremen Freight Forwarders Association also aligns with the interests of this new system.
The core measure in Bremerhaven is the rollout of this digital, secure, and traceable container release system, enhancing port security through technological modernisation and regulatory compliance. The new system is expected to improve security in Bremerhaven's port, contributing to a safer supply chain.
- The digital Secure Release Order system, implemented in Bremerhaven's port from October 2025, will leverage technology to encrypt pick-up rights and replace anonymous PINs with personalized digital authorizations, enabling tracking of every authorized individual handling containers for enhanced security.
- The Bremen port's adoption of this comprehensive digital system not only aligns with the German Port Security Act but also aims to strengthen cargo security by controlling and monitoring the entire chain of custody for containers, thereby indirectly making it more challenging for drug smugglers to exploit the system.
