Anti-Theft, Cybercrime, and Drug Trafficking Countermeasure System Unveiled
The German seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven are set to implement a new digital container release authorization process called the Secure Release Order (SRO) starting 1 October 2025 [1][2][4]. This system aims to replace the current PIN-based system, enhancing port security and supply chain transparency.
Under the new SRO, the release reference for import containers will be passed securely from the authorized person, such as a freight forwarder, to a trucking company via a digital platform [1][2][4]. This encrypted digital authorization will link container pick-up rights to a specific driver and transport pre-registration or tour plan, making container releases traceable and strictly controlled.
The SRO system is developed by dbh Logistics IT AG in Bremen and DAKOSY GmbH in Hamburg, under the umbrella of German Ports [2]. It is designed to prevent unauthorized container pickups by ensuring that only one authorized and identifiable party can pick up a full import container at any time. Truck drivers must clearly identify themselves, and all container release authorization is managed centrally via the secure digital platform accessible to registered companies in the supply chain.
The Association of Bremen Freight Forwarders has identified a threat to the importing economy and freight forwarders due to increasing internet crime and drug smuggling [5]. Criminals often attempt to obtain import containers from container terminals. The SRO is seen as a positive development by the industry, with Thorsten Dornia, chairman of the industry association Verein Bremer Spediteure, supporting the new procedure, stating it will make German ports safer [6].
In addition to security improvements, the SRO enhances supply chain transparency and creates a reliable, future-proof logistics basis by digitalizing and standardizing container collection procedures for all operators. Participation and use of the system are mandatory for import-related companies, with a registration and fee-based model in place [2][3]. The transition also requires technical system integration and testing by stakeholders prior to full implementation [1].
In conclusion, the Secure Release Order system strengthens port security by digitizing and tightly controlling container pick-up authorizations, linking them securely to verified parties and preventing unauthorized, untraceable container releases in German seaports [1][2][4]. The new system is expected to increase the security of the import process, reduce the threat of internet crime and drug smuggling, and provide a uniform system for container terminals in Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, and Hamburg, rather than the current three different ones.
- The manufacturing industry could potentially benefit from the new digital container release authorization process, SRO, as it aims to enhance port security and improve supply chain transparency.
- With the SRO system, cybersecurity becomes essential to ensure the secure digital platform is protected against internet crime that targets the import economy and freight forwarders.
- The implementation of the SRO system in public-transit, particularly in German seaports, could lead to advancements in transportation technology as it digitizes and standardizes container collection procedures.
- The SRO system's focus on finance, as it mandates a registration and fee-based model, shows a gradually shifting approach towards digital payments and subscription services in the logistics industry.
