Update 02 - 28th August 2025

Following our previous regarding the upcoming change to the import container release process at the German seaports, we would like to provide you with an update on this matter.

Effective 1st September 2025, for maersk.com-based merchant’s haulage self-service delivery orders (SSDO) involving pick-ups from German seaports, you will be prompted to enter your 17-digit German Ports ID. As part of a soft launch, entering the German Ports ID will remain optional until it becomes mandatory closer to the secure release order go-live date of 1st October 2025.

As we prepare for the go-live, we strongly encourage all our customers and vendors to register on the “German Ports” platform as early as possible. This will ensure you obtain the required ID and meet the technical and training requirements in time.
Last-minute registration requests with the platform providers may lead to processing delays and could result in demurrage beyond the carrier’s control.

We will keep you informed of developments, go-live milestones, and any changes to your current Maersk import release applications.

Should you have any questions, or require further assistance, please reach out to your local Customer Experience representative. Our teams remain at your disposal and look forward to continuing to support your logistics needs.

Update 01 - 16th July 2025

As your integrated logistics provider, A. P. Moller – Maersk would like to inform you of changes in the import container release process at the German seaports of Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven.

This new process - mandated by law for Hamburg and Bremerhaven with effect from 1 October 2025 - will replace the existing PIN-based release system with a digital authorisation known as “secure release order”. This ensures that only one traceable party at any given time is authorised to pick up full import containers from the port, supporting safe and secure supply chains for our customers and the communities in which we operate.

To facilitate this process, Maersk will use the “German Ports” community platform, which enables a standardised and secure approach across our Network’s German ports of call, the same as used by the relevant terminal operators. Further details on the “German Ports” platform can be found here: , and in this .

Once fully implemented, import container pick-up rights will be encrypted and can only be granted through the platform. Customers and vendors will no longer receive a release PIN from Maersk, but a pick-up authorisation through the “German Ports” platform.

As we prepare for the launch, we strongly encourage all customers and vendors to register on the “German Ports” platform as early as possible to obtain a necessary ID, and to meet the technical and training requirements in time.

We will keep you informed of developments, go-live milestones, and any changes to your current Maersk import release applications.

Should you have any questions, or require further assistance, please reach out to your local Customer Experience representative. Our teams remain at your disposal and look forward to continuing to support your logistics needs.