Less smuggling, more control: the impact of the Chain of Trust

28 March 2025

The Port of Rotterdam is the gateway to Europe and plays an essential role in international trade. At Ritra Cargo, we work closely with Customs and port authorities to make container handling both safer and more efficient. Since the introduction of the Chain of Trust at the start of 2024, significant improvements have been made that have increased the security and reliability of import shipments. What does this mean for you, the customer?

Chain of Trust proves powerful weapon against drug smuggling

One of the biggest advantages of the Chain of Trust is the impact on drug smuggling. In 2024, the volume of cocaine intercepted at the Port of Rotterdam fell by 30% compared to 2023. This result is thanks to tighter controls and the intensive cooperation between Portbase, Customs, police, and logistics service providers. Suspicious containers are identified and checked more quickly, leading to more efficient handling and a secure logistics chain.

Ritra Cargo has been closely involved in the implementation and further development of the Chain of Trust right from the start. Within this system, it is our role to offer our customers reliable and secure handling of their container transport. Although the system has been in place since 2024, several steps have been rolled out in phases. The container release process is now more transparent and less susceptible to fraud, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorised container collections.

The change is mainly between the shipping company, Ritra Cargo, and the carrier. As such, the receiver will notice little change, as they are not directly involved in the technical aspects of the implementation. This ensures the process for you, the receiver, remains undisrupted. At the same time, this adjustment will lead to a more efficient and secure logistics operation, which ultimately benefits everyone in the chain.

Europe takes up the fight against crime

The Port of Rotterdam is always developing and is actively seeking cooperation with other major European ports, such as Le Havre. After all, criminals constantly adapt their smuggling routes, making an international approach crucial. By sharing real-time data and carrying out joint checks, suspicious container movements are detected sooner. This strengthens the effectiveness of the cooperation and makes it possible to react faster.

One of the most innovative steps in this cooperation is the creation of a joint European database. This database records suspicious container movements, monitoring criminal activity beyond national borders. By identifying suspicious patterns early, authorities and logistics partners can take more effective action against smuggling. The cooperation with other European ports plays an important role in strengthening the reliability and security of the logistics chain.

One year of the Chain of Trust: a review

After one year of the Chain of Trust, initial experiences are mostly positive. The system has led to a fall in thefts and fraudulent activity in the Port of Rotterdam. Shippers and forwarders indicate that the reliability and transparency of the process have improved considerably. The positive impact of the Chain of Trust is evident in the logistics chain, especially for carriers, who can now handle containers much faster and more securely.

At the same time, there is a focus on further optimisations, such as an even faster data exchange between all parties involved, and an expansion of the cooperation with other European ports. Thanks to continuous innovations and close cooperation, the Port of Rotterdam remains at the forefront of the fight against crime and inefficiency in the logistics chain.

Would you like to be in the know?

If you would like to know more about the latest developments in the Chain of Trust, or if you have specific questions about your shipments, please contact us.