Port of Rotterdam furthers cybersecurity efforts with new programme

The Port of Rotterdam has launched its Secure Data Sharing Programme through its Port Community System (PCS) Portbase.

With calls for better cybersecurity on the rise following reports that the cybercrime underground is flush with shipping companies’ credentials, Portbase with the port community decided to develop this new programme.

Peter de Graaf, Managing Director of Portbase, explained, “This programme focuses on a chain-wide approach, with concrete solutions to make the information exchange between the different links in the container logistics chain more secure.”

The Secure Data Sharing Programme is based on three key principles:

Secure identities
Secure processes
A secure platform
This programme also helps in aiding the digitalisation of port operators. Up until now, containers in the Port of Rotterdam were released using a pin code, but by linking the Secure Data Programme to this activity, only authorised companies and their employees can carry out the necessary digital actions and obtain information within the Portbase service in relation to the container release process.

“Portbase achieves this by developing applications for the port business community that can create closed chains. Only authorised parties will have access to the closed chain. An account and the right key are therefore no longer sufficient, as an additional layer of security has been added with the application of authorisations,” said the Port of Rotterdam Authority in a statement.

The overall aim is to further roll out and optimise the concept of the additionally secured container release in the short term, as Graaf concludes: “This will help create a secure Port of Rotterdam because the theft-sensitive PIN code will become irrelevant in the port logistic process.”

It was also recently announced the Port of Rotterdam has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the McGowan Government in Western Australia, agreeing to collaborate on the development of the hydrogen supply chain.

Announced in December 2021, both parties will work together to investigate the renewable hydrogen export supply chain between Western Australia and the Port of Rotterdam. This includes production, storage, transport, and the use of renewable hydrogen.

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-rotterdam-furthers-cybersecurity-efforts-with-new-programme/