The Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced it would begin implementing new regulations for picking containers from the port. Starting 15 January 2024, all transport operators will be required to pick up containers based on a new process called Certified Pick-up (CPu), said the port in a statement.

Certified Pick-up is a digital platform for container release that aims at increasing the efficiency of container transport. NxtPort, the company that developed the technology together with the port, says the technology uses the identification of the operator, Alfapass, together with his or her biometric data.

The process involves creating a digital release right containing the container’s data. This right is transferred to the truck driver, for example, assigned to pick up the container, who will, in turn, enter the data when accessing the port.

Currently, the port uses a PIN-based system described by many as time-consuming and vulnerable to fraud. The port says that once the new technology is adopted, pin codes for picking up a container will be completely eliminated.

Container carrier MSC had earlier announced it switched to this technology on 1 June 2023 at MSC PSA European Terminal (MPET) in Antwerp-Burges. Now the system will be extended for all terminals at the port.