Poland

To improve operations at GCT Gdynia and create more space in the container yard, Hapag-Lloyd is introducing a new process for full standard containers that have been stored at the terminal for a longer period of time. This new process will apply from July 1, 2026.

What will change and which containers may be affected?

Full standard Hapag-Lloyd containers that have been stored in the main area of the GCT Gdynia terminal for at least 30 days may be moved to an external depot at Logistyczna street.

Hapag-Lloyd will decide which containers are moved based on the current operational situation, the container’s dwell time, and ongoing communication with customers.

This process will help make better use of space at the main terminal and reduce possible delays caused by congestion.

What does this mean for pick-up?
If your container has been moved to the Logistyczna depot, the following applies:
-Pick-up is only possible by truck from the Logistyczna depot.
-Pick-up by rail is not possible from this depot.
-The depot is open from Sunday 10:30 p.m. to Saturday 2:30 p.m.
-Time pending costs will be calculated as usual for the account of the Customer in accordance with the Polish local Tariff

What charges will apply?

For affected containers, a charge of EUR 100 per container will apply.

This charge will be billed as an Overstay Charge. This charge covers the administrative and operational costs associated with moving the container between the main yard and long-term storage. Please note that this charge is separate from the “Extended Stay” charge.

If you require the container to be moved back to the main terminal for rail pick-up, an additional charge will apply.

Our teams will inform affected customers before a container is moved to the Logistyczna depot.

If you have any questions about a specific shipment or the expected dwell time of your container, please contact your Hapag-Lloyd Customer Service team in Poland: [email protected]

1) What is changing?

With ATLAS 10.1, technical and procedural updates to electronic customs communication will be implemented. For you important to know is:
From 21.06.2026 for Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven / 1.07.2026 for Hamburg, the import manifest data for cargo arriving by feeder (Hapag-Lloyd or 3rd-party feeder) in German ports will be compared against the export manifest data. Only if there is a 1 to 1 match, cargo is allowed to get loaded onto the mainliner. 

2) What does this mean for you?
To ensure the smoothest possible handling, please pay special attention to the following:
-Provide complete and accurate shipping instructions before documentation cut off
-NO DOC = NO LOAD
-Ensure all data is final with submission of your shipping instruction, as post-submission changes will not be possible since they can lead to discrepancies between import and export manifest data (piece count/cargo description/ weight)
-Any discrepancies can lead to cargo being put on hold by German customs, which may lead to additional cost (timependings, customs relevant costs) and necessity to resolve the matter directly with German customs. Any additional costs are on account of the customer. 

3) Our support
We are closely supporting the transition and are happy to assist you with any questions about the required data and operational handling in Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven .

The Secure Chain is the new, secure and reliable way to release and collect deepsea containers in the Port of Rotterdam. With the introduction of this widely supported initiative by authorities and the business community, the PIN code disappears from the collection process. In the Secure Chain, the authorisation to collect a container is digitally transferred from one logistics party to the next. The result is a closed logistics chain that solely comprises authorised parties.

Hapag-Lloyd is also participating in the Secure Chain. The implementation is currently in full swing.
Please note: Secure Container Release – SCR will continue to function as the underlying distribution platform, but as a customer you will work with Portbase’s services in daily practice for the Secure Chain. To facilitate the transition to Secure Chain, the First Release Party (FRP) must complete a one-time action in:
1. Portbase Port Community System (Cargo Controller or Cargo Release Manager): Register your customer code
2. Secure Container Release: Activate function to connect with Portbase.

Once this is completed, containers will be fully released via the Secure Chain. 

Files & FAQ available in the following link.

We would like to inform you that, as of October 1, 2025, registration on the German Ports platform will become mandatory to participate in the new digital import release process. This new regulation applies to all companies that receive import containers and manage or issue release authorizations. The digital process is being implemented based on new legislation introduced by the federal states of Hamburg, Bremen, and Lower Saxony. Its primary aim is to prevent the misuse of release information, particularly in connection with drug smuggling, to strengthen security standards at German seaports, and to standardize port and terminal procedures across Germany.What does this mean for you?

-As of October 1, 2025, registration on the German Ports platform is a prerequisite for receiving, managing, and forwarding import release authorizations.
-Companies without registration will no longer be able to receive or process import releases after this date.
-PIN codes will be replaced by release rights, which can be passed along within the German Ports platform.
-We strongly encourage you to attend the webinars offered by Dakosy and dbh to learn about procedures, technical requirements, and the specific actions you need to take.

Please make sure to incorporate this transition into your planning in a timely manner to ensure the uninterrupted processing of your import operations. Click on the following link.

Please proceed with following link for all necessary details when it comes to Quotation / Booking requirements