Glossary

Secure Container Release (SCR): A maritime supply chain solution for the release of containers launched by T-Mining that replaces traditional PIN codes with tokenized pick-up rights to enhance safety, security, and commercial privacy. It is currently trusted by top ocean carriers including MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM and ports and terminals such as MPET in Antwerp and Port of Limburg

Electronic Delivery Order (eDO): A digitized version of the traditional paper delivery document. It replaces manual processes with a secure digital handover to protect cargo and frontline personnel.

PIN codes for container release: Unencrypted numeric codes historically used by ocean carriers to grant pickup rights at terminals. Because PIN codes are easily copied, forwarded, or intercepted, they represent a major vulnerability in supply chain operations.

PIN-code free container pickup: The shift from relying on unencrypted PIN codes to cryptographic tokens, eliminating the risk of port staff facing security threats, intimidation, or bribery from criminal networks.

Pin-code fraud: Fraudulent container pickups or cargo thefts resulting from stolen, leaked, or intercepted PIN codes. Linked directly by Europol to organized crime and drug trafficking through European ports.

Digital ID Wallet: A secure digital vault used to authenticate a driver's identity (e.g., using itsme®) at the terminal gate, shifting authentication from "what you know" (a PIN) to "who you are" (verified digital ID).

Bill of Lading (B/L): A foundational legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper detailing the type, quantity, and destination of cargo, serving as a contract of carriage, receipt of goods, and document of title.

Electronic Bill of Lading eBL: An eBL is an electronic record which replicates the three traditional functions of a B/L issued on paper: it is a receipt for the goods; it is one of the evidences of the contract of carriage and can be a negotiable document of title. An eBL wears the same legal status, terms & conditions and functionalities as a paper-based B/L and generates the same rights. DCSA (Digital Container Shipping Association) is an initiative that aims to further the universal acceptance of adoption of a standards-based Bill of Lading. They work closely with eBL solution providers on technical and legal interoperability to enable seamless digital transfer of original B/Ls across different platforms and stakeholders.

Port Community Systems (PCS): A neutral, open electronic platform run by ports connecting public and private stakeholders across to optimize, manage, and automate port logistics processes (e.g., NxtPort, Portbase).

Terminal Operating System (TOS): Enterprise software used by marine and inland container terminals to manage gate operations, yard planning, vessel loading/unloading, and container stacking (e.g., Navis N4).

Transportation Management System (TMS): Enterprise software used by hauliers, trucking companies, and logistics providers to plan, execute, dispatch, and track physical transport orders and fleet operations.

Forwarding Management System (FMS): Specialized software used by freight forwarders to manage shipping bookings, customs clearance, freight documentation, and client communications.

Automated container release API: Programmatic interfaces allowing logistics software (such as TMS or FMS) to seamlessly integrate secure container release capabilities, eliminating manual copy-pasting and multi-screen management.

DCSA standards 2026: Frameworks established by the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) to standardize import cargo release processes and accelerate scalable, global digital standards across carrier networks.

DCSA Shipment Release standard: A specific industry protocol designed to enable interoperable, secure container release across carriers, terminals, and technology providers, ending regional port fragmentation.

Next Mode of Transport (NMoT) / Retrieve Best Unit (RBU): Operational data protocols used in intermodal logistics to specify or optimize the subsequent transport leg (truck, rail, barge) for container dispatch and yard placement.

Organised Crime Gangs (OCGs): International criminal networks that exploit vulnerabilities in port logistics (such as compromised PIN codes) to steal cargo, traffic illegal goods, or infiltrate maritime infrastructure.

Cargo Fraud: Deceptive practices—including identity theft, forged documentation, and stolen credentials—designed to misappropriate containerized goods during transit or release.

Cargo Theft: The physical or unauthorized removal of freight and containerized goods from terminals, warehouses, or transport vehicles.