Significant progress has been made in the adoption of the Secure Chain digital container release system within Rotterdam’s shortsea sector in 2026, with eleven shipping lines now participating in the programme across active and pilot phases.
Four lines are currently live on the system and have fully transitioned away from PIN code-based container release.
In order of adoption, these are CMA CGM Short Sea Lines Intra North Europe, Boluda Lines, Mann Lines and Sea-Cargo Agencies. All four now release containers arriving at Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals and Matrans Rotterdam Terminal exclusively through the Secure Chain method, and have communicated the change to their customers and supply chain partners.
A further seven shortsea shipping lines are participating in a pilot phase, progressing through the transition at their own pace.
Initial discussions are also underway with the remaining shortsea operators and terminals not yet engaged with the programme.
The ultimate objective is full adoption of the Secure Chain across the entire shortsea sector at the Port of Rotterdam, creating a unified, PIN-free digital release process that improves security, reduces fraud risk and streamlines container collection operations across the port community.
