The digital release process for container imports via the German Ports IT platform is entering its final phase. As the last group of participants to join, transport companies and truck drivers are now required to be connected into the process. Companies picking up containers must ensure they have a valid digital pick-up authorization. This enables terminals to verify truckers’ credentials in real time as they enter the terminal. As a result, German Ports creates a seamless digital process chain that covers the entire procedure from the arrival of the container through to its pick-up at German North Sea ports, extending far beyond the original release process.

The new release procedure, known as the Secure Release Order (SRO), has now been fully integrated into everyday operations at Germany’s North Sea ports. “Thanks to this standardized procedure covering all ports, the North Sea ports are united in their efforts to combat drug smuggling. Ninety-nine percent of container handling is already being carried out via German Ports. The step-by-step transition process which has been implemented since October 1, 2025, has ensured a smooth changeover, with uninterrupted cargo handling being the top priority,” reports Marco Molitor, Chairman of the Board at dbh.

Digital authorization for pick-up becomes mandatory

In accordance with the legal requirements of the federal states of Hamburg and Bremen, the new regulation, which has often been referred to as “Phase 2,” will take effect on March 23 in Hamburg and on March 25, 2026, in Bremerhaven. As a result, pick-ups at the Eurogate and HHLA terminals in Hamburg and Bremerhaven will only be possible with a valid digital pick-up authorization. The terminal in Wilhelmshaven is an exception. There, the transitional provision will remain valid for legal reasons until the Lower Saxony Port Security Act takes effect.

New guidelines for increased security

There are essentially two significant changes to operational procedures related to security. First, slot bookings are now only possible with a valid pick-up authorization. Second, the terminal performs an automated check to verify whether the company assigned to the truck driver currently holds a valid pick-up authorization for the corresponding container in the German Ports system. This requires each driver to identify themselves via an IDP system—such as ImpalaID, CONROO, or Passify.

Suggestions for a smooth start

To ensure a seamless transition, DAKOSY board member Ulrich Wrage recommends that companies review the technical and organizational requirements: “All organizations need to make sure their drivers are correctly registered and clearly identified in the IDP systems in use. In addition, every participating entity needs to be registered with German Ports.”

Wrage emphasizes the integration of subsequent procedures into the secure and standardized overall process as the key distinguishing feature: “Our process does not focus solely on the release; rather, it seamlessly integrates all parties involved in a container import into the new standard in a way that is transparent and traceable.”

More than 15,000 users

German Ports currently has well over 15,000 users for the release process using the digital SRO. The IT platform is operated by the two market-leading providers of port IT platforms in Germany: DAKOSY based in Hamburg and dbh in Bremen.
Source: DAKOSY