Port of Rotterdam’s Secure Chain handles 500,000th import container

The new operational approach is now standard practice in Rotterdam for all import containers from Latin America (since 1 April) and North America (since 1 July), and it will be implemented for container cargo from Africa, the Middle East, India, and Pakistan on 1 October 2024. Using this strategy, the current milestone of 500,000 containers was met in just over 10 months. Finally, all deepsea import containers at the Rotterdam port will be processed by the Secure Chain.

In the Secure Chain, the shipping line, shipper, forwarder, and carrier digitally transfer the right to collect a container, safely sharing the essential information with one another. This is accomplished using the Port Community System of Portbase, a neutral logistics platform for Dutch ports.

Only a haulier, barge operator, or rail operator who has been authorised through the Secure Chain can access the terminal.

The Secure Chain is a collaboration between the business community and the government. The participants represent the full logistical chain, with additional partners including the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Municipality of Rotterdam, Dutch Customs, and the Seaport Police. The Secure Chain includes all of Rotterdam’s main container shipping lines and deep-sea container facilities.

Recently, international battery recycling company SK Tes announced plans to build a new facility near the Port of Rotterdam.