WHT Reference Service - Export via Wilhelmshaven
Wilhelmshaven is home to JadeWeserPort - Germany's only deep-water container terminal, capable of handling the world's largest vessels. Export shipments leaving Wilhelmshaven require a WHT reference number registered through the Wilhelmshaven Harbour Telematics system. We handle this process for you, from registration to export confirmation.
What Is WHT (Wilhelmshaven Harbour Telematics)?
WHT - Wilhelmshaven Harbour Telematics - is the port community system (PCS) that manages customs data exchange for the Port of Wilhelmshaven. Like its sister system BHT (Bremen Harbour Telematics), WHT is developed and operated by the Bremen/Bremerhaven port IT operator, a Bremen-based entity specializing in port logistics software.
WHT handles the digital link between export declarations in the German ATLAS customs system and the physical container movements at JadeWeserPort. When an export container is gated in at the terminal, the WHT reference number enables customs to match the physical goods with the electronic export declaration, ultimately triggering the export confirmation exit confirmation.
Although Wilhelmshaven handles a smaller volume than Hamburg or Bremerhaven, its strategic importance is growing rapidly. The deep-water capability of JadeWeserPort makes it the preferred port for ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) that cannot call at other German ports due to draft restrictions.
JadeWeserPort: Germany's Deep-Water Terminal
JadeWeserPort opened in September 2012 as Germany's newest and only deep-water container terminal. Key characteristics:
- Water depth: 18 metres - sufficient for the largest container vessels in the world (24,000+ TEU)
- Quay length: 1,725 metres with 4 berths
- Capacity: Approximately 2.7 million TEU per year
- Operator: Eurogate Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven GmbH
- Location: Direct North Sea access via the Jade estuary - no river navigation required, unlike Hamburg (Elbe) or Bremerhaven (Weser)
The terminal's deep-water advantage means that the largest shipping lines increasingly route their ULCV services through Wilhelmshaven. For exporters, this means a growing number of containers are being loaded at JadeWeserPort, requiring WHT reference registrations.
How the WHT Reference Process Works
The WHT reference process follows a clear sequence: the export data is registered in the WHT system, validated against ATLAS, matched with the physical container gate-in at JadeWeserPort, and finally confirmed by customs, which issues the export confirmation after vessel departure.
BHT and WHT: Shared Operator, Separate Systems
While BHT (Bremerhaven) and WHT (Wilhelmshaven) are both operated by the Bremen/Bremerhaven port IT operator, they are separate systems with distinct characteristics:
- Separate systems: Each port system requires its own registration. A BHT registration does not apply to WHT, and vice versa.
- Different terminal configuration: JadeWeserPort uses different customs and port references than Bremerhaven terminals.
- Same operator: Both systems are operated by the Bremen/Bremerhaven port IT operator, resulting in similar underlying processes.
We maintain active accounts in both BHT and WHT, enabling seamless handling of exports through either port. If a container is diverted from one port to the other, we can quickly transfer the registration without delay.
Our 4-Step Process
Submit MRN + container details
Provide your MRN, container number, and booking reference through our panel, email, or API.
WHT registration
We create the export port order in the WHT system, linking your MRN to the container at JadeWeserPort.
Customs monitoring
We monitor the gate-in, ATLAS validation, and customs release status. Any issues are resolved directly with the customs office.
export confirmation
Once the export is confirmed and the vessel departs, we deliver your export confirmation exit confirmation as proof of export.
Pricing
We quote individually based on port, volume, and case complexity.
All prices are net (excluding VAT). Initial verification is always free of charge. Request a quote to receive a firm price for your filings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WHT (Wilhelmshaven Harbour Telematics)?
WHT is the port community system for Wilhelmshaven, operated by the Bremen/Bremerhaven port IT operator. It handles all customs-related data exchange for export shipments via JadeWeserPort, linking export declarations in the ATLAS system with physical container movements at the terminal.
What is JadeWeserPort?
JadeWeserPort is Germany's only deep-water container terminal. Located in Wilhelmshaven on the North Sea, it opened in 2012 and can handle the world's largest container vessels with a water depth of 18 metres. It is operated by Eurogate and has a capacity of approximately 2.7 million TEU per year.
Are WHT and BHT the same system?
They are separate systems with the same operator (the Bremen/Bremerhaven port IT operator). WHT is for Wilhelmshaven, BHT is for Bremerhaven. Each requires its own registration and uses different port references. We handle both systems and can manage diversions between the two ports seamlessly.
Close MRN in Wilhelmshaven - request a quote
We cover 8 European ports. Average filing time 32 minutes, 2h order acceptance guarantee.