As Sweden’s second-largest container port, Port of Helsingborg handles an average of around 400 container pickups a day. In recent years, the port has strengthened physical security through investments including a dedicated customs facility and Sweden’s first permanent cargo scanner. SCR adds another layer of security.
Container flows in international logistics chains are targets for organised crime. SCR replaces the sharing of manual release references with a secure digital handover. Ocean carriers issue the container release digitally, and the pickup right is then transferred securely through the logistics chain to the designated transport company and, ultimately, to a designated and identified driver.
As part of the Digital Container Shipping Association’s DCSA+ programme, SCR is working with carriers, ports and terminals to make secure, standards-based container releases the norm across the industry.
Secure Container Release was developed by Antwerp-based technology provider T-Mining. Trusted by three of the top 5 global ocean carriers, SCR replaces manual document transfers and release references with a secure digital handover, thereby protecting both cargo and personnel from security threats. With over five million container releases across ports in Europe (including Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Port of Rotterdam), SCR connects a rapidly growing network of over 8,000 logistics companies across more than 25 countries.
For freight forwarders and transport companies using Helsingborg, the principle is straightforward. Forwarders receive the release for a loaded import container digitally and pass it on securely through SCR. The transport company then assigns the pickup right to a specific, identifiable truck driver.
At the terminal’s automated gate, the driver’s identity and pickup right can be verified against the container release before the container is handed over. This creates a secure digital chain from the ocean carrier to the driver while reducing the need to share sensitive release information manually.
SCR will be introduced in phases ahead of full go-live on 31 March 2027. Hapag-Lloyd will be the pilot carrier, with other affected ocean carriers being introduced to the new process ahead of the rollout. Freight forwarders, transport companies and other affected parties will receive further information and onboarding support ahead of go-live.