Software and logistics providers will partner to digitalise the container release processes at German ports.
A joint solution for the digitalised release process of import containers is being developed by the service providers DAKOSY AG (Dakosy) and dbh Logistics IT AG (dbh), both of whom specialise in port community systems.
By the end of 2021, the first shipping companies and forwarders will be connected to the platform under the label ‘German Ports’.
Dakosy and dbh have laid the foundation for standardising and digitalising the release process for import containers in the German seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, Bremen and Wilhelmshaven.
The application offers multiple options for the release process, providing users with choices in technology and processes.
Dakosy and dbh are now making blockchain technology available to their users for the first time.
Blockchain’s suitability and practicality for the release process has already been confirmed as part of the IHATEC research project ROboB, Dakosy said.
Until now, release orders have generally not been communicated digitally, but exchanged between parties in the traditional ways via fax, e-mail or telephone.
The application will be available in both the Hamburg and Bremen Port Community Systems.
In Hamburg, this will be integrated into the Import Message Platform (IMP), and in the ports of Bremen and Wilhelmshaven, as a part of the Business Integration Platform (BIP).
Dirk Gladiator, authorised officer of Dakosy, said, “Our solution for the digitalised release process is based on existing platforms and processes that are already being extensively used by the stakeholders in German seaports.”
With the use of the established IMP and BIP platforms and the optional addition of blockchain, the strict requirements for access authorisations and secure IT processes have now been met.
Holger Hübner, Head of Port Solutions at dbh, added, “Parallel to the proven IMP and BIP platforms, we are building the framework for blockchain in order to make it available as a hybrid alternative in the next step. “
We are already preparing the test phase,” Hübner said, outlining the concept and assuring that “digitalised releases meet all requirements for security and verification of identities.”
