HHLA tests digital solution for access to container terminals

The Hamburg Port and Logistics AG (HHLA) is testing a digital solution called “passify” starting this month, which makes access for truckers to the Hamburg container terminals more efficient and safer. The passify app will replace the previous truck processing with the trucker card. The product was developed by HHLA Next, the innovation unit of HHLA.

HHLA board member Jens Hansen: “With passify, we achieve a significant increase in safety and enhance efficiency at our facilities in Hamburg. We are in the process of digitizing terminal processing to the extent that our facilities become a model for digital terminals. With such projects, HHLA fulfills its ambition to be a driver of innovation in logistics.”

The passify app initially revolutionizes truck processing at the Hamburg terminals of HHLA by increasing the safety of truck access while simplifying processing for truck drivers. In the future, the more than 6,000 truckers who bring or pick up containers at the Hamburg HHLA terminals daily will have access to all necessary information via passify on their smartphones. The smartphone app is fully integrated into the terminal operations and digitizes the gate processes. The system guides truck drivers through the entire processing, thereby simplifying the process. Additionally, passify will eventually offer drivers a mobile self-service terminal within a central app.

As each driver identifies themselves clearly using passify, security at the facility entrances also increases. At the same time, the gate processes are simplified, as only authenticated truck drivers are granted access. passify ensures standards regarding security and data protection and meets all requirements of the globally applicable ISPS code.

Later this year, HHLA will begin to gradually replace the conventional plastic trucker card with passify at its Hamburg locations. Testing of the smartphone app will start in July and will then be gradually introduced at all Hamburg HHLA locations.

After implementation, other terminal operators can join

Soon, all transport companies will also gain access to passify. They will be actively supported during the transition from the trucker card to passify. It will also be explained how drivers can register and verify themselves for use in the smartphone app. After successful implementation at the Hamburg HHLA terminals, other terminal operators will also be able to use the practical digital tool at their gates. In the long term, it is planned to establish passify for other stakeholders in the port as well.

Photo: © HHLA/Thies Rätzke