Anti-Theft, Cybercrime, and Drug-Smuggling Countermeasure System Debuted
The German seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven are set to revolutionize container security with the implementation of a new system called the Secure Release Order (SRO) from 1 October 2025. This system, developed under the umbrella of German Ports by dbh Logistics IT AG in Bremen and DAKOSY GmbH in Hamburg, aims to replace the current PIN-based container release method with a secure, traceable digital container release order[1][2].
The SRO system is designed to combat internet crime and unauthorized container collection by allowing only one verified party to pick up each container. This eliminates the vulnerability of PIN codes that could be shared or intercepted. Pick-up rights are encrypted and issued exclusively via the platform, ensuring that carriers, vendors, and logistics providers no longer receive PINs but must obtain digital authorization through this secure system[1][3].
This approach enhances supply chain security by creating a standardized, transparent, and encrypted process, reducing fraud risks linked to internet crime, such as PIN theft or unauthorized container releases. The platform also aligns with terminal operators' systems, facilitating cross-location communication encrypted via a neutral IT platform, further safeguarding release approvals[1][3].
Criminals often attempt to obtain import containers from container terminals, posing a significant threat to the importing economy and freight forwarders. The Association of Bremen Freight Forwarders has identified increasing internet crime and drug smuggling as a concern, and the new SRO system is expected to address these issues[4].
Freight forwarders, who usually handle the entire import process, support the new system. The chairman of the industry association Verein Bremer Spediteure, Thorsten Dornia, approves of the new SRO system[5].
Starting from 1 October 2025, the truck operator must also use the system to collect import containers. The new system will require the release reference for import containers to be passed from the authorized party (e.g., freight forwarder) to a truck operator via the system. The system will not allow the use of email or phone for communicating the release reference for import containers[1][6].
The Secure Release Order system modernizes and strengthens container release security in German ports by digitizing and encrypting pickup authorizations, preventing unauthorized container collections and reducing susceptibility to internet-based crimes[1][2][3]. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort by German Ports to improve security at container terminals.
[1] German Ports [2] dbh Logistics IT AG [3] DAKOSY GmbH [4] Association of Bremen Freight Forwarders [5] Verein Bremer Spediteure [6] German Customs
- The Secure Release Order (SRO) system, set to be implemented in German seaports from October 2025, is designed to combat internet crime and unauthorized container collection by encrypting and issuing digital authorizations for picking up containers, reducing vulnerabilities associated with PIN codes.
- With the SRO system, the Association of Bremen Freight Forwarders expects to address concerns of increasing internet crime and drug smuggling, as this modern and secure technology modernizes and strengthens container release security in German ports.
