Port of Limburg among the most secure inland ports in the Benelux, thanks to a unique collaboration with SCR and itsme®

[Genk, November 26, 2024] – The Port of Limburg, a new container terminal in Genk, aims to become the safest inland port in the Benelux. To achieve this goal, various initiatives have been launched, and the terminal will now collaborate with T-Mining’s Secure Container Release (SCR) and itsme® to improve the security of container handling processes.

Port of Limburg, near completion on the former Ford site in Genk, is a collaboration between Group Machiels, H.Essers, and Medlog (MSC). With an annual capacity of 350,000 containers from major ports such as Antwerp and Rotterdam, the terminal plays a crucial role in reducing road congestion. By removing 240,000 trucks from the road each year, Port of Limburg offers a sustainable alternative to road transport for containers. However, the anticipated growth in container traffic could also lead to increased security risks. Enhanced security measures already in place at larger ports such as Antwerp and Rotterdam may shift risks to nearby inland ports.

“Security is central to our operations,” says Benjamin Hermans, CEO of Port of Limburg. The site features advanced security measures, including a patrol drone in collaboration with local police. “We are committed to deploying advanced technologies to protect our terminal from criminal activities, particularly drug trafficking. Our partnership with T-Mining and itsme® is a key part of this effort, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the container release process. With this initiative, we are the first inland terminal in the Benelux to introduce SCR, setting a new standard for security in inland terminal operations.”

T-Mining, known for developing SCR to secure container pickups at deep-sea terminals, is now expanding its footprint to inland terminals. SCR eliminates vulnerabilities in container handling processes, such as PIN codes, by using blockchain-secured tokens. This solution is already used by shipping carriers such as MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA-CGM in ports like Antwerp and Rotterdam. In addition to enhancing security, SCR offers users other benefits, including a centralized platform for accessing and processing container information for various shipping carriers, ports, transporters, and terminals.

“Security risks such as PIN code fraud are becoming an increasing threat to container operations, and SCR provides a robust solution to this problem,” says Nico Wauters, CEO of T-Mining. “By implementing SCR, the Port of Limburg not only ensures the safety of its operations but also streamlines the container handling process for its partners. SCR’s automation capabilities reduce the need for multiple emails and phone calls, simplifying operations with a single click. Fewer manual interventions also mean fewer errors, reduced fraud, and more efficient operations.On an online portal, accessible 24/7 with up-to-date container information.”

This unique collaboration is further enhanced by itsme®, an online application that serves as a digital ID used by a network of over 3,000 companies and government platforms, covering 16 nationalities. itsme® allows the identity of authorized individuals at the Port of Limburg site to be verified securely and easily. For itsme®, this collaboration represents an exciting expansion, further solidifying its presence in the logistics sector.

“Unlike deep-sea terminals, we deliberately chose not to work with identification cards to avoid the proliferation of such cards,” says Benjamin Hermans. “With itsme®, we found an accessible and widely available alternative that can also be adopted by other terminals in the future.”

To ensure a smooth implementation, involved carriers, forwarders, and transporters will receive further information about the specific operations. For example, a webinar will be provided, and a helpdesk will be available to answer any concrete questions.

The Port of Limburg is on its way to becoming a key player in sustainable and secure inland shipping. Its partnership with T-Mining and itsme® marks a significant step toward achieving this goal. As the container terminal continues to invest in infrastructure and technology, it aims to set new standards for security and efficiency in container processing, benefiting both the terminal and the broader supply chain.