How does the BHT system work in Bremerhaven?

BHT (Bremer Hafentelematik) is the telematics system for the Port of Bremerhaven (and Bremen), handling logistics and customs data exchange between terminal operators, freight forwarders, and the German customs administration (ATLAS). BHT transmits container loading information and cargo status to ATLAS, which then generates customs messages (IE507, IE590, IE518) and sends export results to the customs office of export.

How long does MRN closure take through Bremerhaven?

Standard MRN closure through Bremerhaven takes 3–7 business days from vessel departure when the automatic process works correctly. Bremerhaven uses the same German ATLAS customs system as Hamburg. In case of intervention, the time extends to 2–4 weeks.

Does Bremerhaven handle vehicle exports — is the MRN process different?

Bremerhaven is one of the world's largest car ports and handles vehicle exports on a large scale. The MRN closure customs procedure is the same regardless of cargo type. However, vehicle exports use RoRo Bills of Lading instead of standard container B/Ls. We handle MRN closures for both container and RoRo exports from Bremerhaven.

Ports / MRN Closure

MRN Closure Bremerhaven — BHT and ATLAS Systems

Updated: March 2026Reading time: ~7 min

Bremerhaven is Europe's fourth-largest container port and the continent's biggest vehicle terminal. It is particularly important for the automotive industry and container exporters. The port handles approximately 4.9 million TEU annually (2025 data). If your MRN was not closed after export through Bremerhaven — we help resolve the issue.

BHT System — How Does It Work?

BHT (Bremer Hafentelematik / Bremen Harbour Telematics) is the information system operated by dbh Logistics IT AG, active since the mid-1980s as the central PCS for ports in Bremen, Bremerhaven, and Cuxhaven. For a complete guide on the BHT Number registration process, see our article on BHT Number (BHT-Referenznummer) — Export Registration in Bremerhaven.

Key system components:

BHT Export Port Order — export port order registered in the BHT system
CODIS — cargo data system for container terminals (mandatory since 2008)
BIT (Business Information & Tracking) — shipment information and tracking system
DAKOSY GE — joint DAKOSY and dbh platform for submitting BHT Export Port Orders
ATLAS-AES — Germany's customs system (same as Hamburg)

BHT sends cargo presentation confirmations to ATLAS, which processes the data and returns feedback. The competent customs office is Hauptzollamt Bremen.

MRN Closure Procedure in Bremerhaven

Export declaration in ATLAS — Ausfuhranmeldung is submitted and the MRN is assigned
Export Port Order in BHT — a port order is registered in the BHT system
Container delivery to terminal — the container is accepted at the designated terminal
Cargo presentation confirmed — BHT transmits confirmation to ATLAS (IE507)
Vessel loading — IE590 is generated automatically after loading
IE518 — results are sent to the Polish customs office of export
IE599/CC599C — export confirmation is issued by the AES/ECS2 PLUS system

Sounds complex? You don't need to know these systems — contact us and we'll take care of the entire process.

Why MRN May Not Be Closed in Bremerhaven

Coordination issues between DAKOSY GE and BHT — two systems can generate discrepancies
Different procedures at different terminals — Eurogate, NTB, and MSC Gate have different internal processes
Container transhipped to another vessel — common in Bremerhaven due to its hub function
Missing or incorrect Export Port Order in BHT
Container delivery timing — early deliveries may have booking linkage issues
ATLAS communication problems with the Polish customs system

How We Help

Diagnostics — verification of Export Port Order status in BHT and MRN status in ATLAS
Contact with Hauptzollamt Bremen and dbh Support
Evidence collection — loading confirmation from Eurogate/NTB/MSC Gate terminal, manifest, B/L
Coordination with Polish customs — enquiry procedure (Art. 335 UCC-IA)
Obtaining IE599/CC599C

What We Need From You

MRN of the export declaration
Export Port Order or booking number
Container number, seal data, weight
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Exporter's EORI number
Terminal name in Bremerhaven

Key Terminals in Bremerhaven

Eurogate Container Terminal Bremerhaven
NTB (North Sea Terminal Bremerhaven)
MSC Gate Bremerhaven
BLG AutoTerminal

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bremerhaven and Bremen the same port?

No, but they are served by the same BHT system and the same customs office (Hauptzollamt Bremen). Bremerhaven is a deep-water port with container and vehicle terminals. Bremen (Neustadter Hafen) handles smaller vessels.

I export vehicles via BLG AutoTerminal. Is the procedure the same?

The MRN closure customs procedure is the same. The difference is the terminal type (ro-ro instead of container) and the format of transport documents. We also handle MRN closures for vehicle exports.

How long does MRN closure in Bremerhaven take?

Typically 2–5 business days. With our intervention — 2 to 6 weeks.

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Close Your MRN in Bremerhaven — Contact Us

Email: kontakt@potwierdz-wywoz.pl

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