How coronavirus affects shipping: Everything you need to know

The Coronavirus outbreak has set the shipping industry into a frenzy, with major shipping stakeholders issuing guidance and recommendations, ports halting operations until further notice and a feeling of uncertainty on how this emergency will be dealt with.

Coronavirus definition:

The virus was firstly detected in the central city of Wuhan, China. It causes a type of pneumonia and includes signs of infection including respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

How coronavirus affects shipping: Everything you need to knowHow coronavirus affects shipping: Everything you need to know

In the first place, the World Health Organization alerts that the principles to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections:

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  1. Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
  2. Frequent handwashing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment.
  3. Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.
  4. People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands.

# Ports’ regulations and other updates during the pandemic:

Date Publisher Name of Publication Information
18 February 2021 China

Steamship Mutual issued a circular issued by their correspondents, Huatai, which informs of the steps to be taken when reporting abnormal health condition of crewmembers when calling a Chinese port.

15 February 2021 Singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore issued a circular concerning updates on crew change operations, specifically in regards to crew sign off from ocean going cargo ships that require COVID-19 pre-departure testing in Singapore.

15 February 2021 UK

 

The COVID-19 pandemic led the UK to implement stricter measures to those arriving, informing that those arriving in the country will have to book a hotel and stay in quarantine from the point of their arrival. The day of arrival in England will be treated as day zero.

12 February 2021 New Zealand

Maritime New Zealand issued its update concerning the vaccination, saliva tests for quarantine workers, crew change operations and information guidance for workers aboard international ships.

11 February 2021 Norway

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) published a document analyzing guidelines for crew changes in Norway, named “Covid-19 – Norwegian protocols with regards to crew change on ships”.

10 February 2021 Hong Kong

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has announced on 5 February 2021 to further tighten the conditions for persons who are exempted from compulsory quarantine under the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation (Cap 599C) and Compulsory Quarantine of Persons Arriving at Hong Kong from Foreign Places Regulation (Cap 599E), including crew members of goods vessels with cargo operation.

29 January 2021 Canada Bulletin No. 02/2021

Transport Canada issued a bulletin to inform about new reporting requirements to the Radio Aids to Marine Navigation.

20 January 2021 Korea Negative PCR testing

Japan P&I Club updates the quarantine measures implemented by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, informing that PCR negative certificates are required for all on-signers embarked the vessel in all foreign countries when vessels call at a Korean port.

19 January 2021 New Zealand Maritime NZ COVID-19 update

Crew changes in New Zealand continued to take place over the holiday period, with 178 replacement and outgoing crew processed in December alone, Maritime NZ informed in its latest COVID-19 update.

19 January 2021 Singapore PORT MARINE CIRCULAR no 05 of 2021

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA Singapore) issued an update concerning the requirements on crew change for cargo ships in the port of Singapore.

14 January 2021 Singapore Port marine circular No. 04 of 2021

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) issued a circular concerning the requirements needed for shore-based personnel that boards vessels at anchorages, shipyards, terminals and marinas in the port of Singapore.

12 January 2021 Crew Welfare Management and Mental Wellness 2nd Edition

The ‘Crew Welfare Management and Mental Wellness’ guide has now been updated and is presented as a second edition.

7 January 2021 Helsinki  

The Port of Helsinki provided instructions to passengers in efforts to mitigate the risks of coronavirus, while also gave an overview of the measures taking place in terminals in Helsinki.

28 December 2020 Canada SSB-28-2020E

Transport Canada issued a safety bulletin providing an updated guidance on the mobility of asymptomatic, presumed non-COVID-19 carrying seafarers, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

28 December 2020 Sri Lanka SOP for persons getting onboard

The Ministry of Health of Sri Lanka issued an update concerning guidelines for people getting onboard vessels, focusing on three specific elements that have to be followed.

23 November 2020 India DGS Order No. 39 of 2020

The Indian Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways announced that except Indian seafarers, foreign seafarers are also allowed to sing on and off Indian ports, further assisting the global industry on crew change operations.

17 November 2020 Australia  

AMSA issued a marine notice, stating that return to international requirements, of no more than 11 continuous months on board, will be applied from 28 February 2021.

28 August 2020 Singapore
MPA, Singapore Shipping Association, Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union, and Singapore Organisation of Seamen, will establish a S$1 million Singapore Shipping Tripartite Alliance Resilience (SG-STAR) Fund to work with stakeholders in seafaring nations on concrete solutions for safe crew changes, such as initiatives on best practices for crew holding facilities and PCR testing centres.
28 August 2020 Singapore

MPA Singapore published a new circular regulating shore-based personnel boarding a vessel. The circular requires the owner, agent, or master to notify the Port Master in advance of any shore-based personnel expected to come onboard during the port stay in Singapore.

12 August 2020 South Korea
S. Korea implemented strict measures for vessels arriving from Russia or from those that have been designated by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) as ‘high risk countries’
28 July 2020 Hong Kong Hong Kong announced that the country does not allow crew change for vessels unless they performed cargo trade via Hong Kong. On July 26, Hong Kong reported 128 new infections. About 25 cases were imported through crew from Britain, Indonesia, Philippines, and other locations.
24 July 2020 IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.25 Outcome of surveys by ICS and ITF on health protection measures on board ships in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
21 July Denmark Denmark announced that it will allow crew changes
20 July IHMA  IMHA interim statement Recommended quarantine and testing requirements for seafarers joining a ship
20 July 2020 ICS Infogpraphic based on IMO protocols COVID-19 12-Step Guide to the IMO’s Recommended Framework of Protocols for Ensuring Safe Ship Crew Changes and Travel
15 July 2020 Dubai Maritime City Authority 

Dubai Maritime City Authority informed that crew change in the region’s ports and anchorages is from now on allowed, in line with the Dubai Health Authority COVID-19 guidelines and scheduled flights in UAE.

15 July 2020 RMI Seafarers Employment Agreements

The Republic of the Marshall Island (RMI) Maritime Administrator established the expectations for the repatriation of seafarers due to COVID-19.

10 July 2020 ILO Information note on maritime labour
issues and coronavirus

ILO has issued a revised version of its information note on maritime labour issues and COVID-19 note including a joint statement of the Officers of the Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention.

2 July 2020 Taiwan CDC, Taiwan   Taiwan CDC has issued “Entry measures to be gradually relaxed for foreign nationals, Hong Kong and Macao residents. Eligible travelers must present negative COVID-19 test result at check-in an undergo 14-day home quarantine upon entry”.
2 July 2020 Singapore   Singapore Harbour Pilots encourage masters to adopt the following practices:
  1. Inform Singapore Harbour Pilot if there is unwell crew onboard or deviation from the health declaration to the relevant authorities
  2. Avoid shaking hands and adopt contactless greetings method
  3. Receive Singapore Harbour Pilot at pilot ladder or gangway by essential crew only (these crew to don surgical masks)
  4. Have only essential crew on the bridge and for them to don surgical masks
  5. Practise social distancing of at least 1 metre or 2 arm’s length
  6. Open bridge’s door for ventilation
  7. Sanitise bridge equipment such as binocular, VHF telephony regularly and before Singapore
  8. Harbour Pilot boards the ship
  9. Make available hand sanitiser/soap on the bridge
  10. Allow Singapore Harbour Pilot to use the elevator whenever possible
  11. Avoid bodily disinfectant spraying
  12. Provide food or water Singapore Harbour Pilot in a proper package with pre-packed sanitised utensils
2 July 2020 Pandiman Philippines Inc, Del Rosario, SPICA Services, GAC, Claims Services P&I, Management Co., Inc, The Philippines

 

  Government operations, businesses, services, public transportation and movement of people are restricted based on the prevailing quarantine status with ECQ being the most stringent and low-risk MGCQ as least stringent.

The GCQ status over Metro Manila has been extended until 15 July 2020. Other places under a GCQ are the provinces of Benguet, Cavite, Rizal, Leyte and Southern Leyte and municipalities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Talisay, Consolacion and Minglanilla in the province of Cebu and Ormoc in the province of Leyte. Cebu City remains to be under the most stringent Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) status until 15 July 2020.

Inbound international commercial flights for passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) are allowed on a limited capacity.

Only returning Filipino citizens including their spouse and children with permanent resident status, foreign dignitaries and diplomats are allowed to join the inbound commercial flights and they will be subjected to quarantine procedures.  Other international airports are being geared for re-opening to inbound international flights subject to regulations. Domestic flights have partially resumed but heavily restricted by regulations imposed by local government units.

1 July 2020 IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.23 Recommendations for port and coastal States on the prompt disembarkation of seafarers for medical care ashore during the COVID-19 pandemic”
1 July 2020 Peru   The state of emergency has been extended until 31 July and Peru’s borders remain closed.
30 June Federal Government, Brazil   The Federal Government has published Ordinance 340 which extends, for a further period of 30 days, the prohibition of foreigners entering the country by air, road or water and establishes:
  • that the restrictions do not prevent the entry, by air or waterway, of sea crew to exercise specific functions on board of a vessel or platform operating in jurisdictional waters, provided that the migratory requirements appropriate to their condition are observed, including to carry an entry visa, when required by the Brazilian legal system.
  • The restrictions provided for in this Ordinance do not prevent the disembarkation, authorised by the Federal Police, of maritime crew for medical assistance or for connection of air return to the country of origin related to operational issues or termination of employment contract.
  • The authorisation referred to in § 3 is subject to a term of responsibility for the expenses resulting from the connection signed by the maritime agent, with prior consent of the local health authorities, and the presentation of the corresponding air tickets.

 

29 June 2020 Caribbean Marine, St Eustatius
  The St. Eustatius Government implemented a Travel and Quarantine Policy beginning June 15 to gradually ease travel restrictions. This flexibility only applies to air travel, entry to the country by sea is still prohibited.
27 June 2020 GAC, Caribbean Marine, Teal P&I, Trinidad and Tobago
  The country continues to implement a phased reopening. Borders remain closed and will be opened in the final stage of the reopening process.
27 June 2020 Hong Kong   Hong Kong extends the permission to effect crew change to passenger/cruise ships.  Crew changes of both cargo and passenger/cruise ships are now allowed in the port of Hong Kong subject to control measures.
27 June 2020 Cariconsult, Caribbean Marine, Schad Expertise, Wilhelmsen, Dominican Republic

 

  The country is in the process of gradual reopening of economic activities. Ports remain open and operational. On arrival the temperature of all crew members will be taken by the Medical Commission of the Port Authorities. Crew are also checked for other COVID-19 symptoms.
27 June 2020 Cuba   The Cuban Government has extended the measure to keep all airports closed until at least 31 August 2020.
27 June 2020 Colombia   The nationwide quarantine has been extended until 15 July 2020. International flights remain prohibited until at least 31 August.
26 July 2020 BIMCO Crew change clause for COVID-19 BIMCO has produced a COVID-19 Crew Change Clause for Time Charter Parties, responding to the extraordinary circumstances faced by many owners whose crew have had to remain on board during the COVID-19 “lockdown” for periods often beyond their contracts of employment.
25 June 2020 CHADWICK WEIR NAVEGACION S.A., Thomas J. Schandy, Uruguay   Uruguay is slowly resuming normality. Businesses are restarting, people going back to offices. Montevideo and Nueva Palmira are operating normally.
25 June 2020 AMSA, Australia Marine Notice 04/2020 AMSA issue Marine Notice 04/2020 which addresses the maximum continuous period that a seafarer can serve on board a vessel during the period 1 July 2020 to 1 October 2020.
22 June 2020 Iraq   A 24/7 curfew has been implemented in Basrah until 1 July 2020. The port of Umm Qasr is operational however with reduced working capacity due to a reduction in staff numbers.
20 June 2020 McLeans, TCI Africa, Société Maghrébine de Défense Maritime, Morocco   Moroccan Marine Marchande issue note 15/2020 authorizing the embarkation and disembarkation of crew members from 20 June 2020. Crew changes are subject to the prior approval of the Merchant Marine Direction and must be done in compliance with the health framework enacted and adopted in the Kingdom of Morocco. Moroccan borders are still closed and consequently flights are remain suspended until further notice.
19 June 2020 Panama Authorities, Panama   Authorities announced a further extension of the closure of the airport and suspension of all international flights until 22 July. Crew changes and attendance by overseas technicians or superintendent remains suspended until further notice.
19 June 2020 Caribbean Marine, French Guyana    Limited international flights are now in operation. Travellers entering the country through Cayenne’s Felix Eboue Airport (CAY) will be required to submit an International Travel Certificate and undergo a 14-day quarantine.  A curfew between 23:00 and 05:00 remains in place.
19 June 2020 Jamaica   Airports are now open for commercial flights. A curfew between 22:00 – 05:00 remains in force.
19 June 2020 Caribbean Marine, Cariconsult, Aruba   Aruba’s borders are currently open to passengers travelling from neighbouring Bonaire and Curaçao.

It is believed that from 1 July, travellers from the Caribbean (excluding the Dominican Republic and Haiti), Canada and Europe will be allowed to enter the country; followed by travellers from the United States from 10 July.

Entry into the country is subject to the completion of a new embarkation/disembarkation card which is available online.

18 June 2020 Huatai Marine, China PNI 2020-08 Huatai Marine advises on recent experiences of crew changes in their circular.
10 June 2020 Cariconsult, Jamaica   The borders remain closed until further notice. A nightly curfew is in effect from 21:00 – 05:00.
04 June 2020 Cariconsult, Caribbean Marine, Schad Expertise, Wilhelmsen, Dominican Republic   The state of emergency and curfew have been extended until 13 June. The curfew has been amended to between 19:00  to 05:00 (17:00  to 05:00 Sundays). Commercial flights are expected to resume in July.
01 June 2020 MPA Singapore Crew Change Handbook Protocols on crew change and repatriation of seafarers
01 June 2020 Turkish Ministry of Transport, Turkey   Surveyors, repair teams, agents, suppliers, etc. wearing the correct PPE and passing necessary fever controls in the port will be permitted onboard the vessels transiting the Turkish Straits without obtaining permission from the authorities. This is provided that the visitors boarding the vessels do not enter inside the accommodation.
29 May 2020 Turkish Ministry of Transport, Turkey   The Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure instructs harbour masters:
  1. to provide convenience to change of Turkish and foreign crew members at Turkish ports
  2. to re-commence port state inspections at Turkish ports to the 15% of the vessels which are flying non-Turkish flags
26 May 2020 Transport Malta, Malta Port Notice No 09/20 Transport Malta issued Port Notice 09/20 titled “COVID-19 Temporary Precautionary Measures – Framework of protocol for conducting maritime support services”.
26 May 2020 Federal Government  of Brazil, Brazil The Federal Government has published Ordinance 255 which extends, for a further period of 30 days, the prohibition of foreigners entering the country by air, road or water.

Similar to previous Ordinances, art 4 establishes that the restrictions do not apply to:

  1. Brazilian, born or naturalised;
  2. immigrant with permanent residence, for a fixed or indefinite period, in Brazilian territory;
  3. foreign professional on mission at the service of an international organisation, as long as duly identified;
  4. passenger in international transit, provided he does not leave the international area of the airport and the country of destination admits his ticket;
  5. foreign employee accredited to the Brazilian Government;
  6. foreigner: a) spouse, partner, son, father or curator of a Brazilian; b) whose entry is specifically authorised by the Brazilian Government in view of the public interest or for humanitarian reasons; and c) bearer of the National Migration Registry.
  7. cargo transportation.

Art. 5 expressly creates two exclusions relevant to shipping operations. Firstly, it allows the entry and stay of a foreign maritime crew member with an international seafarer card issued under the terms of the International Labour Organisation Convention, whose entry is required by the maritime agent to the Federal Police, to exercise specific functions on board a vessel or platform operating in jurisdictional waters. The seafarer’s identity card mentioned may be substituted by a passport that attributes the status of seafarer to its holder, provided that it is issued by a country signatory to the International Labour Organization Convention. This allowance however does not exempt the foreigner from the obligation to carry an entry visa appropriate to his condition as a sea crew member, when this is required by Brazilian law. Secondly, the disembarkation of crew members for medical assistance or for air connection to return to the country of origin related to operational issues or termination of employment contract has also been allowed. It is further established that for this kind of entry, permission will be issued by the Federal Police through a term of responsibility for the expenses resulting from the connection signed by the relevant maritime agent after prior consent of the local health authorities, and the corresponding air tickets must be presented.

26 May 2020  Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L, Argentina Open and operational ports:

Necochea & Bahia Blanca ports: Health Authorities request ships calling from “affected areas” a 14-day transit form last port of call. Stevedores at Necochea,  however, refuse to provide services to any ship calling with less than 14 days transit time. “Affected areas” are EU members, Schengen members, UK and North Ireland, United States of America, Korea, Japan, China, Iran, Chile and Brazil.

San Nicolas port (public berths): port authorities seem to be requesting to ships calling a 14-day transit time from any previous port, but this does not seem set in stone.

The crew of the Uruguayan Pilots’ boats, which are used by the Argentinean Pilots to embark / disembark at Recalada Pilot Station from Montevideo/Buzeo, have decided on 18th May 2020 to remain under quarantine (stopping their activity) until all their staff are tested for COVID-19. In the meantime, Argentinean pilots are using the small port of Piriapolis in Uruguay which could entail some delays to embark/disembark at Recalda.

Surveyors attendance:  some restriction may be encountered but so far services are being provided.

The National Protocol for the prevention of covid-19 has been amended. It provides additional requirements for ships’ arriving to Argentina. The requirements will vary  depending on transit time, last port of call and crew changes. This includes additional/enhanced pre-arrival information and documentation; clarification as to mandatory quarantine applicable; and requirements applicable to Pilots.

It provides express provisions applicable to ships:

  • in general (ships arriving to first roads or where the first pilot is picked up with more than 14 days transit time from last port of call, or with less than 14 days transit time if the last port of call is not considered a “high risk” country [so far EU members, Schengen members, UK and North Ireland, United States of America, Korea, Japan, China, Iran, Chile and Brazil];
  • calling from risk zones with no crew changes (less than 14 days transit time of the last port within “high risk” country without changing crew for more than 14 days prior to arrival);
  • crew changes (calling from any country there was any change on the crew, or any crewmember had to be disembarked for urgent reasons, with less than 14 days transit time since last port of call).

Mandatory quarantine would be applicable if there are confirmed COVID19 cases on board; or suspected cases and the quarantine ordered by the Sanitary Authorities. In addition, if any vessel whatsoever fails to comply with the requirements and pre-arrival information requested according to the protocol, the vessel will be placed in quarantine for 14 days (counting as from the date of departure from the last port of call).

In addition, if a COVID19 is confirmed on board of any vessel that has called Argentinean ports within 30 days of its departure, the ship agents must be provided with certain documentation / information to be submitted to our Authorities (understood to track possible contagion in the country during ship’s call).

25 May 2020 GAC , Caribbean Marine, Teal P&I, Trinidad and Tobago The country is currently implementing a phased reopening plan, but the country’s boards remain closed until further notice.
25 May 2020 Cariconsult, Meyer Agencies Ltd, Bermuda International flights remain suspended and non-essential vessels are prohibited from entering the seaport. The country has commenced a phased reopening, authorised businesses are permitted to operate between 07:00 – 21:00
25 May 2020 Caribbean Marine, Cuba All boarders remain closed until further notice.
25 May 2020 E&M International Consulting, Hogarth, Cariconsult, Haiti The state of emergency will remain in place until at least 19 July. A curfew between 20:00 – 04:00 is in force.
25 May 2020 Cariconsult, Caribbean Marine, Schad Expertise, Wilhelmsen, Dominican Republic Land, air and sea boarders will remain closed until at least 1 June 2020. The night time curfew remains in force.
21 May 2020 Department of Shipping, Bangladesh Further to the advice issued by the Director General of the Department of Shipping on 29 April not to impose any container detention charges on import and export shipments for the period of the lockdown, there were reports of local agents continuing to impose container detention charges.

As such, another circular dated 17 May reinforcing the directive to give waiver on container detention charges until 30 May. Furthermore the Department of Shipping issued a circular on 20 May requesting to annul the licenses of all the liner shipping agents who will not comply with the above instructions with regards to waiving container detention charges for import and export shipments.

21 May 2020 PANDI BALT SIA (LTD), Wilhelmsen, RAMANAUSKAS IR PARTNERIAI Law Firm, Lithuania State of emergency in the country is valid until 31 May 2020.
  • Entrance of cruise ships to Klaipeda Port is prohibited by the resolution of the Lithuanian Government.
  • Entrance of cargo ships and movement of goods are not restricted.
  • It is prohibited for foreigners to enter the Republic of Lithuania, except for drivers and crew members, when commercial and/or international carriage of goods is carried out, also there are other exceptions.
  • Seafarers shall be allowed through the territory of the Republic of Lithuania without a necessary stop, in formed groups of persons or vehicles with ensured compulsory escort. Escort not required for citizens of Latvia or Estonia.
    Every person while not at home must have his mouth and nose covered (mask, respirator, scarf, etc.), so the same apply to the crews.
  • 24 h prior to entering the port Captain must submit a health declaration. Information regarding health of a crew members must be updated 2h prior
  • entering the port. If the declaration indicated a sick person on board:After the vessel is berthed National Public Health Center (NPHC) under the Ministry of Health epidemiologists come onboard and investigate the situation;
  • If symptoms are relevant, sick crew member is transferred by ambulance to hospital;
  • By the order of NPHC vessel (cabins), other living quarters have to be disinfected by the crew with the disinfection means on board, if the crew has no means, disinfection has to be done by the licensed Lithuanian entity.
  • After the cleaning and disinfection agents, stevedores, surveyors and others are allowed to come onboard.
  • Persons (agents, others), who are contacting with the crew members have to wear means of personal protection.
  • After the disinfection persons who are not in contact with a crew are allowed to participate in loading / unloading operations onboard.
  • Isolation of 14 days is compulsory for persons, who have returned from foreign countries. So if the seafarer is repatriated or coming home after his contract ended, he will have to spend 14 days at a quarantine facility established by the government.
21 May 2020 PANDI BALT SIA (LTD) , Wilhelmsen, Latvia State of emergency in the country is valid until 9 June.
  • All international passenger transportation was stopped from 17 March 2020, but special voyages required for repatriation of the residents from abroad are performed.
  • Since 15 May 2020 free movement around the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) is allowed for the residents of these countries is allowed. Since 18 May 2020 Latvian airline AirBaltic resumed commercial flights to and from Vilnius, Tallinn, Oslo and Frankfurt.
  • Calls of cruise ships to Latvian ports are still prohibited, excluding special (repatriation) voyages.
  • Prior to entering the port all ship agents of all cargo ships calling at the ports shall provide the port authorities with accurate information on the composition of the ship’s crew and the health status of all crew members. Any cases of illness or bad feeling among the members of the crew are to be reported to the authorities.
  • The crew of foreign-flagged vessels calling at the Latvian ports shall be prohibited from coming ashore, except the specific cases to be agreed upon when necessary for the normal operation of the ship.
  • All activities related to cargo handling and ship maintenance shall be performed to minimize physical contact between persons.
    The ships must refrain from current vessel repair and maintenance works by involving shore personnel, to the extent possible.
  • Specific internal procedures have been introduced and changes made to operating procedures to minimize physical contact among shift employees, as well as any contact with crews of incoming ships. Pilots and other port personnel who, due to their duties, cannot avoid meeting with crew members shall be provided with personal protection and disinfection agents. Contacts between the vessel crew and pilot or vessel inspector is to be organised by observing distance of at least 2 metres.
  • Since the beginning of May local marine doctors resumed PEME, so the seafarers now can undergo the commission. Out-patient medical services for the seafarers, who were abroad within the previous 14 days, are available only after passing Covid-19 test.
21 May 2020 Pandi Balt Sia, S5 agency world, Estonia The state of emergency in the country was lifted on 18 May 2020 but the below restrictions remain in force.
  • Passenger traffic between Estonia and Finland is only allowed for returning citizens or in certain special cases.
  • 14 May 2020 the ferry link between Tallinn and Helsinki was partly reopened for work-related journeys. Travels for tourism are still not allowed.
  • The ban on cruise ship calls directly concerns the cancellation of four scheduled ship calls. Tallinn-Stockholm cruises are prohibited
  • Reintroduction of border control and ban on the entry for foreign nationals from 17 March 2020 is still in force, excluding residents of the Republic of Lithuania and The Republic of Latvia.
  • The general 2+2 rule remains in force – only two people can be in a public space together and a two-meter distance must be kept from others.
  • There are no national restrictions on freight transport. There are no significant changes in the schedules of regular freight lines vessels (containers and ro-ro) due to COVID-19 and voyages continue as before the crisis. Also, there has been no significant change in bulk cargo handling.
  • Port of Tallinn has made several changes to work processes to ensure the continuity of the service.
  • Personal protective equipment is provided to all frontline personnel.
  • There are some international flights from Tallinn airport, up to date flight information on Tallinn Airport website.
19 May 2020 Intermarc Services, GAC, Mclarens Shipping Ltd, Sri Lanka The curfew is in force in the districts of Colombo (Port of Colombo) and Gampaha until further notice. Curfew in other districts are effective from 8pm to 5am daily until 22 May. Airports continue to be closed for arrivals until further notice, and departure flights are limited. Sri Lankan Airlines resumed limited operations to selected destinations (London, Tokyo, Melbourne and Hong Kong).
19 May 2020 P&I Services Pvt. Ltd, Aeghiscorp Maritime Ventures, GAC India, Bose & Mitra & Co, James Mackintosh & Co. Pvt. Ltd., India GAC advise as follows:
  • Cargo handing at Indian ports is expected to gain momentum by end of May as the extended countrywide lockdown is expected to end on 17 May.
  • Handling of cargoes such as coal, oil and gas; have been largely going on smooth during the lockdown periods
  • Following advisory issued by India’s Shipping Ministry – all major ports have considered the pandemic as a valid ground for invoking the ‘Force Majeure’ clause on port activities and operations. Even though; the manpower availability at ports had been down, touching an average of 50%-55% during the initial lockdown periods -operations were not affected to a large extent and still, continued.
  • Ports with more mechanized facilities, available – manged to sustain operations without much difficulties whilst; those ones, which had to rely on Manual labour, in turn experienced serious slowdown in cargo operations.
  • India has almost filled up all its available crude storage capacity, including commercial and strategic petroleum reserve
  • Ports/terminals continue operations with some reports of reduced manpower and barge/shore truck availability which cause delays.
18 May 2020 Pinto Basto, Bensaude – Shipping Agents, Ltd, Potrugal The Portuguese Government have extended border control and containment measures until 15 June:
  • All flights of all airline companies (commercial or privately held) from and to Italy and Spain are suspended, with exception of diplomatic and armed forces, mail and cargoes, as well as humanitarian or medical
  • Road, railroad and river transportation suspended on Portuguese borders between Portugal and Spain to remain under constricted control
  • All airspace within EU and Schengen areas remain closed to international flights with destiny to EU + Schengen area or departing from, with some minor exceptions.
  • Crew changes or disembarks with repatriation purposes, may be authorized, on a case by case basis, subject to approval and opinion of Health Maritime Authority by Immigration Office and Local Port Captaincy.
  • Passenger vessels still not be authorized to disembark any guests/crewmembers/staff. Licenses to go ashore also will not be granted. Exception is made to Portuguese Citizens living in Portugal wishing to debark at our ports.
  • Passenger Cruise vessels still may call to carry out supplies, provisions, fresh water and other supplies, as well as to perform bunkering operations.
  • Cruise vessels may be in Lay-up at Portuguese ports, while awaiting repairs in dry-dock if authorized by Port Authorities.
  • Cruise vessels cannot disembark passengers, crewmembers or staff. However, in exceptional cases disembarkations may be performed if authorized by Health Authority and with direct disembark from vessel to international airport area.
  • All persons arriving to Portugal by sea; air or ground borders may be subject to quarantine for 14 days in hotel subject to additional requirements of Regional Health Authorities.
  • Vessels not performing commercial calls may be prevented to enter Portuguese ports.
  • For commercial calls, vessels are allowed to enter and berth in order to perform commercial ops (load/discharge) with no delays or minor delays on account of terminals/vessels contingency plans.
  • Health Maritime Declaration must be sent prior vessel’s arrival, at least with 24 hrs in advance and with new Health Maritime Declaration sent on arrival day.
  • Pilotage, towage services and linesmen are working normally, with some contingency plans of their owns.
  • Crew Shore leave is suspended.
  • In some ports, some terminals (on account of its contingency plans) do not allow visitors, crew change nor provisions & supplies by shore side. In these situations launch boat is the only alternative to serve vessels needs by sea side.
  • Contact between Officers and Crew with terminal staff, surveyors and agents are kept to a minimum possible.
  • Additional PPE (such as Masks, Goggles and Gloves will be compulsory to use in some ports / terminals.
  • At present moment there aren’t ports/terminals closed or restricted
  • At present moment NO vessel calling under commercial calls has been refused to enter or berth in Portugal
18 May 2020 JF (Bangladesh) Limited , Interport Group, Coast To Coast P&I Services Ltd, GAC Bangladesh, Bangladesh Withdrawal of the temporary stay on issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for import of ships for recycling. Ship yards have resumed operations.
16 May 2020 C.Fernie & Co S.A GAC Panama, Panama Agencies Co. Inc., Cariconsult, Panama International commercial flights remain suspended. The suspension was extended up to 22 June. Flights in and out of Panama could remain suspended into July or August. Cargo flights and courier companies continue reduced service in Panama for the time being. Curfew and road blocks could have an impact on the time it takes for Customs clearance and delivery. At this time, all crew changes, overseas technician and superintendent attendances remain suspended. Ships personnel are not allowed ashore unless there is a medical emergency and special permission has to be requested from the Ministry of Health.

There are some exceptions to the lockdown which include the Panama Canal and the Maritime sector.  Ports and Terminals continue operations.

15 May 2020 GAC, C-RECT P & I Services, Shikoku Marine Agency Company Limited, Japan Updated list of countries that the Japan’s Ministry of Justice is denying permission to land foreigners, unless the circumstances are exceptional. The State of Emergency in 39 prefectures (out of 47 prefectures) was lifted on 14 May, but in the remaining 8 prefectures including Tokyo and Osaka, declaration of emergency is continued.
15 May 2020 Neffous Shipping & Consulting (P&I), Bemi P&I, Société Algerienne des Etablissements, MORY & Cie, TCI Africa, Algeria Curfew continues in force in all the country from 07h000 to 19h00, which limits the port operations to take place between these hours. In Algiers, Oran, Blida curfew is applied from 07h00 to 17h00. In some ports, the discharing operations of one (1) hold / shift per vessel is implemented. Crew and cargo are inspected at their arrival to ports.
14 May 2020 Huatai Insurance Agency, China Circular Ref No.: PNI [2020] 07 The agency issued a circular providing updates on crew changes concerning ill or injured crew.
14 May 2020 France The French Government has enacted an Order providing that any time bar before the French Court which was due to expire as of 12 March 2020 is frozen until the end of a time limit of three months from the end of the Health Emergency as declared in France. As things stand, the health state of emergency is in force until 10 July, therefore time limits due to expire between 12 March and 10 August are extended until 10 October.
14 May 2020 Brazmar, Brazil Brazmar advise that:
  • the Admiralty Court extended the suspension of procedural deadlines until 29 May (Ordinance No. 22).
  • ANVISA has issued RDC 384, which establishes a temporary procedure for issuing the Certificate for On Board Sanitary Control (CCSB), or its exemption, by documentary analysis only. This measure will apply during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The CCSB, which should not be confused with Free Pratique, is the equivalent to the Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSC) implemented by the World Health Organisation as of June 2007, and replaces the previous Deratting Certificates. A valid CCSB, or exemption, should be carried by foreign flagged vessels, in national or international transit, and national flagged vessels, in international transit.
  • The measures established in RDC 384, in practice, will allow the assessment by ANVISA of a vessel’s sanitary condition in a documentary manner as part of the “Paperless Port System”. The change is temporary and does not exclude physical inspections if deemed necessary.
  • ANVISA has explained that these changes will make it possible to direct its workforce to other activities, such as monitoring vessels in quarantine. Along with the request for issuance of CCSB on a documentary analysis, Owners will be requested to provide the documents listed in art 3 of RDC 384, these are related to the necessary hygiene on board in relation to drinking water, air conditioning, food storage, medical installations, sewage residues, accommodation area, harmful fauna control and solid garbage. Preferably, these documents should be provided in digital format, and the pictures of the installations should be of good resolution.
14 May 2020 MedPandi, Indeco, Aiyon Abogados, Nagasa, Wilhelmsen, Bull Marine Surveyors, Spain The Ministry of Transport has published Order TMA/410/2020, limiting the entry of aircrafts and passenger vessels through designated points of entry with capacity to attend public health emergencies of international importance, which will enter into force on Saturday 16 May 2020.

This regulation applies to ro-ro vessels and passenger vessels operating a regular service with ports outside Spanish territory, with passengers that are not the drivers of drawing vehicles or trailers. This regulation also applies to passenger flights flying into Spain from abroad.

The above means of transport will be only allowed to use the ports and airports designated as points of entry (PoE).  These PoE are:

  • Ports: Barcelona, Bilbao, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, Valencia and Vigo.
  • Airports: Barcelona, Gran Canaria, Madrid, Málaga and Palma de Mallorca.
  • This regulation is not applicable to State vessels, cargo vessels nor vessels operating for humanitarian, medical and emergency purposes.
13 May 2020 Ukraine The Government of Ukraine have extended the period of quarantine in Ukraine until 22 May.
13 May 2020 Mozambique Mozambique is under quarantine until 30 May 2020, port operations are unaffected and continue as normal
13 May 2020 Kalimbassieris Maritime , Elias Marine Consultants Ltd, EMCO Group, Inchcape Shipping Services, GAC Cyprus, Hull Blyth Araouzos Ltd, Cyprus From 4 May there has been a gradual relaxation of COVID 19 restrictions. International flights remain prohibited until 17 May with exceptions.
12 May 2020 Inchcape Shipping Services, GAC Kuwait, S5 Agency World, Wilhelmsen, Kuwait Measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus include halting commercial flights and sending public sector employees on a public holiday until March 26th 2020. This has been extended to 31 May. The 4pm to 8am curfew will come into effect at the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Maritime navigation and normal operations at all Oil Terminals ( Mina Al Ahmadi & Mina Abdulla ) and Commercial ports ( Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ) will continue as usual without any hindrance.

Ministry of Communications advise that agents are required to provide in addition the usually required documentation before arrival:

a copy of the ships’ logbook for the last 30 working days – in English
a copy of port clearance for the last 10 ports where cargo operations were carried out

12 May 2020 GlobalPandi, Caribbean Marine, Pandi Venezuela, Venezuela The state of emergency has been extended a further 30 days until the 12 June 2020. As a result of this there will be no international or domestic commercial passenger flights operating in Venezuela until 12 June.
12 May 2020 INTERLOG Servicios S.A.C., Peru INTERLOG Servicios S.A.C advise that the principal issues  related to the maritime carriage are:

Carriers must release cargoes after receiving the scanned B/L through email by the corresponding representative of, among others, the consignees.
All local charges  allowed to be collected by carriers at Peru should be listed in the B/L.
The place of delivery of the cargo may be changed by consignees nominating a Yard, Deposit, etc

12 May 2020 Cariconsult, Wilhemsen, Jamaica The borders are closed to passengers until at least 31 May 2020.  Cargo vessels are exempt from the ban.
12 May 2020 PANDI BALT SIA (LTD), S5 Agency World,  Estonia Passenger traffic between Estonia and Finland is only allowed for returning citizens or in certain special cases. Due to the decline in demand related to the restrictions, passenger operators have made several adjustments to their schedules.

The ban on cruise ship calls until 1 May 2020 directly concerns the cancellation of four scheduled ship calls.
Reintroduction of border control and ban on the entry for foreign nationals from 17 March 2020
Ban on visiting Estonian islands for two weeks from 14 March 2020.

There are no national restrictions on freight transport. There are no significant changes in the schedules of regular freight lines vessels (containers and ro-ro) due to COVID-19 and voyages continue as before the crisis. Also, there has been no significant change in bulk cargo handling.

Port of Tallinn has made several changes to work processes to ensure the continuity of the service.
Personal protective equipment is provided to all frontline personnel.

12 May 2020 GAC, Wilhelmsen, Azores Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, ports of the Azores Islands remain open for the following purpose of calls, to be authorised on a case-by-case basis:
  • Bunker calls
  • Receiving spare parts
  • Medical disembarkations (duly proven)
  • Repairs
  • Load/discharge operations
07 May 2020 MedPandi, Indeco, Aiyon Abogados, JL Bastos, Wilhelmsen, Spain Port of Cádiz: the crew can be attended by local Hospitals for problems not related to COVID.

Algeciras: no restrictions for the crew medical treatment in Algeciras either at the public hospital or at the private hospital.

07 May 2020 Anvisa, Brazil ANVISA issued a technical note establishing the communication flow for the repatriation of foreigners who have disembarked from vessels or remain in quarantine in hotels in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The authorization for the repatriation operation, issued by the MRE (Secretariat for National Sovereignty and Citizenship Affairs), must contain at least the following information:

  • location of foreigners (with the name of the vessel and its berth or the name of the hotel where they remain in quarantine and their location)
  • number of foreigners which will be repatriated and the date of the repatriation operation.

The responsible company must also present more detailed information, signaling the departure airport of the repatriation flight (s), with respective schedules.

After receiving a formal response from the MRE on the repatriation operation, AINTE will forward it to the General Management of Ports, Airports, Borders and Customs Enclosures (GGPAF) and Infrastructure Management, Means of Transport and Traveler in PAF (GIMTV) for sending to Coordination of Health Surveillance in PAF (CVPAF) that will accompany the operation.

ANVISA’s Technical Note 86 establishes the communication flow for the repatriation of foreigners who have disembarked from vessels or remain in quarantine in hotels in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The authorization for the repatriation operation, issued by the MRE (Secretariat for National Sovereignty and Citizenship Affairs), must contain at least the following information:

location of foreigners (with the name of the vessel and its berth or the name of the hotel where they remain in quarantine and their location)
number of foreigners which will be repatriated and the date of the repatriation operation.
The responsible company must also present more detailed information, signaling the departure airport of the repatriation flight (s), with respective schedules.

After receiving a formal response from the MRE on the repatriation operation, AINTE will forward it to the General Management of Ports, Airports, Borders and Customs Enclosures (GGPAF) and Infrastructure Management, Means of Transport and Traveler in PAF (GIMTV) for sending to Coordination of Health Surveillance in PAF (CVPAF) that will accompany the operation.

07 May 2020 Caribbean Marine, Cariconsult, Aruba By March 21, 2020 the government of Aruba implemented limited transportation from 21:00 to 06:00 hrs. some exceptions may apply with authorization. Sanctions were imposed for citizens who violate this provision.

Suspension of incoming international flights. No person may enter the country, this restriction also counts for the residents of Aruba. Empty flights can only arrive to pick up passengers leaving Aruba to take them to their destination.

A standard pre-arrival documents will be followed, an additional Marine Health Declaration form has to be submitted.
Passengers ships calls are temporarily suspended. Cargo, repair, bunker, load/discharge calls remain possible as normal. Offshore attendance continues as normal.

All ports in Aruba are open as normal.

5 May : The above restrictions have been extended until the end of May 2020. A curfew between 22:00 – 05:00 is in force.

05 May 2020 Indoceanic Services, Wilhelmsen, Seychelles The Government is proposing to lift the lock down on Monday 4 May 2020.
Cruise ship are still not allowed in the port but pleasure yachts are welcome depending on where they come from.
The airport will re-open on 1st June 2020 for international flights again depending on where the flight comes from.
Seychellois will be allowed to leave the island but may face quarantine when they return.
The cargo and fishing ports are opened for normal operations.
There has been No confirmed COVID-19 cases for the last 19 days.
05 May 2020 GAC, Novaship Namibia (Pty) Ltd., Namibia The Country is under State of Emergency as declared 17 March 2020 for a period of 6 months. Walvis Bay port is closed and country under international travel ban.
05 May 2020 GAC, C-RECT P & I Services, Shikoku Marine Agency Company Limited, Japan The state of emergency is now in place for all prefectures and is scheduled to remain in place until 31 May. Function of ports, harbours and terminals are kept maintained as well as most of marine surveyors’ service are well available.
05 May 2020 AGENCIA MIVIGAR, S.A. DEC., Honduras Local ports do not allow anyone to be discharged from vessel for illnesses. Injuries may be treated depending seriousness; however, patient will have to wait repatriation until end of June, when it is expected that airports are  re-opened.
05 May 2020 TCI Africa,Gambia Ports are allowing medical treatment for crew with non-COVID19 injuries and illnesses subject to a reinforced Health Service inspection and appreciation onboard at anchorage
05 May 2020 Dover Marine, Wihelmsen, Fiji  Borders are closed to vessels from China, South Korea, Italy, Iran and Spain, United States of America and the whole of Europe, including United Kingdom, within 14 days prior to arrival in Fiji.

All container vessels destined for Lautoka to be rediverted to Suva.

The Fiji Port Corporation Limited to provide container storage for the remaining 10 days as a consequence of the lockdown for Lautoka.

Medical Assistance

Medical assistance for non-COVID19 related issues remains available, subject to local health authorities conducting an onboard review. If the illness is found to be COVID19 the crew member will not be permitted to go ashore. The vessel will be sent to the ports quarantine anchorage for a period of 14 days.

04 May 2020 Cayman Maritime, Cayman Islands Guidance Note 02/2020Rev 2 The notice outlines the challenges arising from the COVID19 crisis to the Cayman Islands, including timely repatriation.
04 May 2020 Cayman Maritime, Cayman Islands Shipping Notice 03/2020 The notice informs mariners of expired certificates and steps to be taken for their renewal.
04 May 2020 Cariconsult, Grenada

 

Since 23 March, Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) and Lauriston Airport (Carriacou) have been closed to commercial flights until further notice.. A 24-hour mandatory curfew is in effect in Grenada until further notice. The wearing of facial masks when in public is mandatory.
29 April 2020 GAC, C-RECT P & I Services, Japan Foreigners who have stayed in any of the following cities/provinces/regions within 14 days prior to the application for landing:
  • People’s Republic of China: Hubei Province, Zhejiang Province
  • Republic of Korea: Daegu-guangyeok-si, or Cheondo-gun, Gyeongsan-si, Andong-si, Yeongcheon-si, Chilgok-gun, Uiseong-gun, Seongju-gun, Gunwigun in Gyeongsangbuk-do
  • Islamic Republic of Iran: Gilan Province , Qom Province, Tehran Province, Alborz Province, Isfahan Province, Qazvin Province, Golestan Province, Semnan Province, Manzandaran Province, Markazi Province, Lorestan Province
  • Italy: Veneto Region, Emilia-Romagna Region, Piedmont Region, Marche Region, Lombardy Region, Aosta Vlley Region, Trentino-South Tyrol Region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region, Liguria Region
  • San Marino: whole country
  • Swiss Confederation: Canton of Ticino, Canton of Basel-Stadt
  • Spain: Chartered Community of Navarre, Basque Autonomous Community, Community of Madrid, La Rioja
  • Iceland: whole country
  • Foreigners who have Chinese passports issued in Hubei Province or Zhejiang Province in the People’s Republic of China.
  • Foreigners who were on the cruise ship, Westerdam, departed from Hong Kong.
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Ukraine
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Kuwait
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Djibouti
  • Saint Christopher and Nevis
  • Dominican Republic
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Peru
  • Russia.
29 April 2020 Hong Kong Shipowners Association, GAC, Hong Kong The Hong Kong Government will ban non-Hong Kong residents arriving from overseas countries or territories through the airport from entering Hong Kong for 14 days, starting from 25 March.

Non-Hong Kong residents arriving in Hong Kong from the Mainland, Macau and Taiwan who have been to overseas countries or territories in the past 14 days will also be banned from entering.

The Hong Kong Marine Department will accept exemption documents or other relevant circular letters issued by the respective flag States during  port State control inspections.

29 April 2020 Montgomery McCracken Attorney Laws, New York, New Jersey The Port of New York and New Jersey continues to operate. The port reports that it “continues to receive regular container vessel calls, and all truck gates are fully operational during regularly scheduled hours, with minor modifications for interacting with vessel crew and truckers.  There has been no impact to our intermodal rail capabilities, and none is expected at this time.  Our drayage truck partners are operating at full strength and not experiencing any driver shortages.”
29 April 2020 Budd Group, France P&I, Christian Boutigny, McLeans, France Regular PSC inspections have been suspended until the end of the COVID-19 health emergency. Inspections will only be conducted in the event of a serious risk to the safety of the ship, the crew, the environment security.
28 April 2020 GAC UK, Wilhelmsen, UK Aberdeen Harbour Board has introduced a temporary Welfare Call policy to allow vessels to visit the port for a pre-agreed short period of time to collect much needed supplies etc. whilst safeguarding crew safety and reducing any risks associated with transfer of supplies and materials at sea.

The protocol will continue to operate until the COVID-19 lockdown measures are lifted, unless

28 April 2020 Lesmi & Morena, Argentina Lesmi & Morena advise that the quarantine was later further extended and will now remain until, in principle, 10 May.

However, as from 24 April it is also permitted to commence mediations or continue already ongoing mediations by way of electronic means, always provided that the identity of the parties involved and the principles governing the mediation are properly guaranteed (Resolution No. 121/2020 of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights).

28 April 2020 Intermarc Services, GAC, Sri Lanka The curfew in the districts of Colombo (where Port of Colombo is), Gampaha, Kalutara and Puttalam, has been extended till 5.00am on Monday, 4th of May. The curfew which is currently in force in all other districts (Ports Galle, Hambantota and Trincomalee) has been has been amended to between 20:00 to 05:00 and will continue until further notice.
28 April 2020 SPICA, Thailand Crew changes are prohibited with certain exceptions depending on region.
28 April 2020 Samer & Misa, Albania The country is undergoing a gradual opening, although restriction measures continue, but with partial reductions from before.

The timeframe of people movement for essential purchases and other immediate needs is now from 05:00 to 17:30, while the lock-down continues from 17:30 – 05:00 and during the weekends. Trucks transporting goods and other services are allowed circulation 24 hours in all country, but the personal cars can move only if issued a special authorization.

Land borders of the country are closed for people, but not for the trucks and other cargo movement, which is allowed. The international airport “Mother Theresa” in Tirana is closed.  Only repatriation flights of people in/out of Albania as well as cargo flights are allowed.

All seaports are open.  There are no restrictions in handling of cargo vessels, ro-ro vessels, tankers and gas-carriers.  Ferryboats to/from Italian ports continue, but there is assumed that all vessels are ro-ro (transport of trucks only) while passengers are not allowed.

The yachts and other touristic boats are allowed in port only for supplies (bunker, water, provisions) but the crew and passengers who may be onboard are not allowed ashore.  After the supplies are received, the boat should leave the port.  For the moment the crew changes are not allowed.

The rest of ground handling of the vessels continues normally, however under additional safety measures and protocols during the commercial operations.  The surveys can be undertaken and Samer & Misa remains available and active for any assistance needed from the maritime and business community.

28 April 2020 UAE The Federal Transport Authority has issued Circular (8) 2020 – instructions in regards of unified precautionary measures in UAE to prevent the spread of Coronavirus-COVID 19. It concerns restrictions and measures to be taken for vessels entering drydocks and ship repair yard, recreational craft and wooden vessels.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Ports announced on 10 March that the following will take effect for three months:

  • Crew changes are prohibited for vessels arriving from outside Abu Dhabi
  • No shore leave is permitted, including berth and jetty unless in case of emergency and subject to approval from harbour master

Sharjah

Operational vessel movements are regular at all ports managed by Sharjah Ports Authority, but the following measures have been introduced for vessels at Sharjah ports to prevent/control the spread of COVID-19:

  • Masters of all vessels to provide IMO health declaration duly signed and stamped 72 hours prior to the vessel’s arrival, along with port required pre-arrival information including last 10 port of vessel call details and crew list.
  • Upon arrival of vessel into port, all crew must undergo health screening at designated facility located in ports.
  • If any crew indicate any symptoms of Covid 19, authorities will take necessary actions to quarantine and further medical interrogation.
  • Until completion of health screening and clearance from Port (verbal approval) no crew is permitted to go onshore (except health screening) nor any personnel are permitted to go onboard vessels.

Since 17 March, the issue of all types of visas (tourist, visit visa, mission visa & seaman visa) for embarking/disembarking crew members has been suspended/deleted from the online immigration system.

As an additional precautionary measure, effective from today (19 March), the UAE has suspended entry of residency visa holders who are currently out of the country, for a renewable period of two weeks.

The issuance of all types of labour permits, including for drivers and domestic workers, has also been temporarily suspended until further notice. This decision excludes intra-corporate transfer permits and employment permits for Expo 2020.

Crew embarkation/disembarkation and shore leave passes are strictly restricted.
Offshore attendance at Khor Fakkan port has been temporarily suspended until further notice due to COVID-19.Boarding on any vessel by vessel agents/owners/representatives and surveyors will be permitted only in exceptional circumstances and will be subject to prior approval from the Port Authority.

Therefore note at present no surveyors are being allowed to board vessels in Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi ports.  Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah have not yet restricted the surveyors attendance.

Fujairah

No crew will be permitted to disembark for medical assistance. Any medical assistance should seek boarding of medical team from the Fujairah Port Medical Centre.

Ras Al Khaimah

All vessels calling RAK Ports from foreign ports are required to submit the updated Maritime Declaration of Health.

  • The form must be submitted to the port authority (Port Control) 72 hours before arrival at RAK Ports.
  • Carry out daily temperature checks for all crew/passengers at least twice daily;
  • Isolate unwell crew/passengers when his/her temperature is above 37.5 degree Celsius. The unwell crew/passengers should also wear a mask;
  • Disinfect common areas and rooms in the vessel before arrival in the United Arab Emirates.
27 April 2020 GAC Taiwan, Wilhelmsen, B Taiwan, Taiwan Taiwan Maritime and Port Bureau, MOTC (MPB) new measures of seamen’s entry and crew change. B Taiwan summarizes the new measures as below:
  • Taiwan seamen’s entry is allowed, subject to 14 days self- quarantine.
  • Foreign seaman (PRC seaman is excluded) whose condition falls within one of the following can apply for permit on the ground of performing business contracts at port:
  • Work on a Taiwan flagged vessel, or
  • Work on a foreign flagged vessel  (PRC flagged vessel is excluded) owned by a Taiwan owner, or
  • Work on a vessel (PRC flagged vessel is excluded) that is being delivered or redelivered in Taiwan.
  • Foreign seaman who applies for permit for crew change at airport shall also fit for one of the above condition. Once the application is approved, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue temporary visa for 21 days.  Seamen shall undergo 14 days self-quarantine after entering into Taiwan.
  • Exception: Seaman (Taiwan or foreign national) disembarks from a vessel only sailing Taiwan domestic route, or does not call at foreign ports for the past 30 days, only needs to carry out sell-health management during the stay in Taiwan.
27 April 2020 Sulnave, Morska Agencja Gdynia, Poland

 

The Polish Sanitary Inspection advise that a crew member who has symptoms of Covid-19 disease will be taken by safe transport for diagnosis (physician);

The ship stays on the road, the pilot does not perform his duties, and the rest of the crew is quarantined until receiving the test results.

The ship will be directed to the anchorage and the 14-day quarantine will be shortened by the number of days of sea voyage from the last port to arrival on the road.

If the ship is already in port and one of the crew members develops symptoms of COVID-19 virus:

If symptoms of suspected Covid-19 appear on one of the crew members on the ship already in port, he will be taken to a safe transport to the hospital for diagnosis and until the results of the tests the other crew members will be quarantined.

If there is no need for the crew to contact the port’s staff for reloading or repair, such operations

27 April 2020 Germany From 16 March, Germany suspended all regular PSC inspections of foreign flagged vessels. Expired certificates will be accepted until 30 June.

The frequency of ship inspections related to environmental compliance (sulphur, MARPOL and ballast) as carried out by the German police has been reduced.

24 March: Germany announce that security control and compliance inspections in accordance with the ISPS Code have been suspended until 30 June.

 

27 April 2020 Islamic Republic of Mauritania Autonomous Port of Nouakchott Circular 23 April 2020 The Mauritanian Government have issued Circular 0007/020 on updated measures for the protection against COVID-19.
27 April 2020 Bangladesh Concerning Chittagong and Mongla Port:
  • Ports are operational and functioning  on 24/7 basis.
  • The Port Authorities are operating with minimum staff members on a shift basis.
  • Stevedores and dock workers are available and continue to work onboard vessels.
  • The lock down has been extended until 5 May 2020.
  • 14 days quarantine for vessels arriving from Chinese Port or Corona infected countries continue to remain in force
  • Container Feeder vessels arriving from Colombo, Singapore and Tanjung Pelepas Port, hub ports for Bangladesh Containerised trade are exempt from 14 days quarantine.
  • Screening of the crew on board by the Port Health officer and the Port Authority Medical Team is compulsory for all vessels.
24 April 2020 Indoceanic Services, Reunion Island Port Reunion is open but vessels have to fill-in the maritime declaration of health and give a list of embarking crew members  (with date and place of embarkation).

Before arrival MRCC contact the Master and check if no crew members are ill on board.

The Master has an obligation to inform of whether or not symptomatic persons are on board. Failure to do so is an offense punishable by imprisonment and fine
If no suspicion, free pratique granted.

If suspicion, vessel stay at anchorage waiting for health authorities’ intervention.

An official document will be issued soon by the authorities.

All requests for special operations at Port-Reunion are under the control/approval of the authorities.

All requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

24 April 2020 GAC, Indoceanic Services, Mauritius

 

Mauritius is under complete Lock down up to the 4th of May 2020 and during this confined period the following services are being allowed and the Port remains

Services Allowed:

  • Delivery of Bunker
  • Delivery of Provisions
  • Delivery of Stores
  • Delivery of Lube Oil
  • Renewal of SSCEC
  • Delivery of spares
  • Disembarkation of weapons only (For PMSC)
  • Embarkation of Weapons only (For PMSC)
  • Vessel may or may not be boarded by Health Authorities, but clearance will be given by VHF and Email.

Services NOT Allowed:

  • No crew change
  • No Shore Leave
  • Medical disembarkation under the strict control of the MRCC and the Health Authorities
24 April 2020 Bangladesh The Ministry of Industries of the Government of Bangladesh has banned the import of scrap ships In order to prevent the transmission of Coronavirus (Covid-19) – all activities of imported vessels for the purpose of recycling are to be stopped.
23 April 2020 Lawyers Raja & Omar Haroun, Syria
  • Restrictions on movement of individuals and cars from 1800 until 0600 and on Friday and Saturday from 1200 until 0600 of next day. For Ramadan month starting from tomorrow 24 April, restrictions from 1930 until 0600 of next day. Friday and Saturday as before
  • Courts are still idle until 2/5/2020 . Most of official departments are minimum manned.
  • Transport of raw materials is permitted but may be delays in discharging the vessels particularly bulk cargos.
  • Ships calling Syrian ports are permitted to enter after completing disinfection procedures.
23 April 2020 ANTARICA GROUP, Axis Ltd, GAC, PANDI Services East, General Service Ltd, Russia

 

 
  • In most of regions of the country strict quarantine regime has been imposed by the local government. Currently in all the main ports of Russia: Saint-Petersburg, Novorossiysk, Vladivostok, Kaliningrad, all South Russian Black and Azov Sea ports the above-mentioned regime is applicable.
  • It does not, however, restrict the ports, port authorities and stevedoring companies from their main activities.
  • In most of locations, the marine services providers, such as forwarders, agents and correspondents are to be included into the special list of licensed entities by the local government. Licensed entities allowed to continue activity within the regulated period
  • From 27 March 2020 till 1 June there will be no regular flights to/from Russia (only for repatriation of the Russian citizens from abroad).
  • Cargo vessels from the ports of foreign countries are allowed to berth at the Russian seaports without any problems if there are no ill people on board
  • Crew changes are not recommended. They can be performed only after special approval/confirmation by the Russian Sanitary Authorities at the urgent situations such as illness of the crewmember, death of the relatives.
  • In case of an incident/accident on board the vessel and necessity for seafarer’s hospitalization not connected with the cold/flu, disembarkation at the Russian port is possible in urgent situations, the seafarer will be delivered at the special hospital where they can receive medical treatment in isolation from the other patients.
  • All the checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation, including Russian ports of Black Sea established the following for arriving vessels:Vessels with absence of risks are the vessels, arriving from epidemiologically safe countries or such are treated as safe after 14 days even arriving from risky countries: Italy, Spain, USA, Republic of Korea, Islamic Republic of Iran, China after 14 days from the date of departure from these countries. Arrival procedures are performed as usual. No sanitary and epidemiological measures are carried out on board.
  • Vessels are treated as risky if they are arriving from countries: China, Italy, the Republic of Korea, the Islamic Republic of Iran and (or) persons on board arrived from these countries within the incubation period (14 days).
  • If there is no suspicion of any infection of crew:Agents arrange and send specialists of the sanitary quarantine point (hereinafter SQP) of Rospotrebnadzor (state authority). The detailed information regarding vessel’s route shall be provided to agents two days before calling the port.
    Agents arrange disinfection measures, which are carried out by a specialist (disinfector) of the organization. Depending on the consideration of the Harbour Master, disinfection is carried out at outer road, also before any state control’s procedures. All pilots are wearing special protective clothes.
  • After the disinfection, the SQP specialist, in personal protective equipment, gets on board the vessel, conducts medical examination; thermometry to the crew members and interviews. In most cases the analyses are taken from the crew. Currently it takes several days to obtain the results of such analyses.
  • In the absence of infected crew (or supposedly infected), SQP specialist permits all types of state control and other works. All individuals arriving on board the vessel (port state control, terminal representatives and stevedores, other organizations representatives) must use personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, glasses) to carry out work onboard.
  • If suspected infected crew members on board then measures are to be done at the outer road or sanitary berth.
    Novorossiysk
  • As of 20 March, the list of epidemiological risk countries has been updated. If a vessel has crew members or passengers from epidemiological risk countries who boarded within the last 14 days before arrival to Novorossiysk, or if the ship has visited one of the listed epidemiological risk countries within the last 14 days, disinfection of the ship will be required upon arrival.

The current list of epidemiological risk countries is as follows:

  • Disinfection is required and compulsory: China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain, The Republic of Korea
    Highly likely disinfection will be required: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Great Britain, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, USA.
    Disinfection can be required: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Butane, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Finland, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, UAE, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Venezuela, Vietnam.
    Only Group A countries are currently subject to the compulsory disinfection. Groups B) and C) as a preliminary assumption only. The final decision on the need for disinfection will be taken by the Sanitary Authority for each particular vessel, depending on the actual epidemiological situation at the time of the decision.
  • After the disinfection on board all crew and passengers are subject to the medical check. Doctor must check crew temperature and general condition of the crew. If everything is good and no risks or sick persons found on board the Sanitary Doctor will confirm possibility to make Inward Clearance and obtain a full free pratique. After inward clearance formalities the vessel is allowed to perform cargo operations.

Kavkaz and Taman

  • All vessels are subject to risk assessment by Health authorities on an individual basis.
    Focus is made on the 14-day incubation period and health condition of the crew.
    Shore leave may be limited for all foreign citizens (crew and passengers) at any port and any time.
    Screening on vessels arriving from any country is being conducted by Health authorities.
    Certificates of disinfection from the other countries are no longer accepted. As of 11 March 2020, no special restrictions or measures have been announced yet.
    Taman Immigration authorities have temporarily restricted shore leaves for the following persons:
  • Citizens of the People Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Italy and Iran arriving as crew members.
    Crew members – foreign citizens, who visited ports of Italy, People Republic of China, Republic of Korea, and Iran during the last 14 days before arrival at Taman seaport.
    In daytime the vessels are visited by the sanitary services for identification of the crewmembers or passengers displaying symptoms compatible with the disease by temperature screening and examination. There is no screening during the night shifts.
    A list of the previous ten ports of call must be provided by Agents to Immigration authorities.
    Although there is no official requirement for a 14-day quarantine at anchorage, at the beginning of March a vessel coming from one of coronavirus-affected countries was not allowed to proceed for berthing until the expected incubation period of 14 days had expired
    Tuapse
  • As of 20 March, all vessels arriving at Tuapse port are subject to a temperature screening of the crew members before commencement of the inward clearance formalities. There are no any other special measures in force.

Kaliningrad

  • Crew members who arrived to Kaliningrad on the vessels that departed from High Risk countries / ports less than 14 days before their arrival to Kaliningrad are demanded to stay on board at all times while the vessel is berthed, NOT to attend shops, pharmacies and/or any public places, NOT to use public transport; to avoid contacts with others, to comply with hygiene and sanitary protection requirements (body temperature screening twice a day and keeping temperature records).
  • Authorized representatives of Shipowners and their agents are held responsible for enforcement of the above requirements.
  • Murmansk and Kandalaksha
  • Starting from 00.00 on 16.03.2020 and until further notice all crew members returning to Russia from other countries, especially from Norway, are to undergo a compulsory medical examination through the established procedure, social withdrawal / self-imposed isolation is not considered sufficient.
  • Starting from 00.00 on 17.03.2020 and until further notice, disembarkation and shore leave is prohibited to crew members having arrived on the vessels from foreign ports to the ports of Murmansk and Kandalaksha in cases where these vessels had left foreign ports less than 14 calendar days before they arrived to Murmansk / Kandalaksha. Harbor Masters of the ports are to take adequate measures to ensure implementation of the said requirements.

St Petersburg

  • As of 31 March, in St. Petersburg only people aged 65+ are recommended to stay home, no further restrictions have been announced yet. Ports are operating with limitations: the vessels’ crew is not allowed to disembark while the vessel remains berthed at the ports; ship agents and surveyors are given access on board, always provided that they are properly protected by face masks and latex gloves.
23 April 2020 JL Griffith Sucesores, S.A., Nicaragua   Confinement has not been mandated, the citizens are staying home by their own action and need for safety against the virus.

Business are in general open, the ones that can send staff to work from home.

Borders are closed since April 17th, No commercial flights available, only cargo flights.

Port of Corinto situation:

Port is working normally no crew changes are allowed.

Currently small changes are faced during berthing maneuvers due to prevention of Corona virus, which consisted in the following procedure:

  • Master must provide Maritime Health Declaration prior arrival.
  • In case some on board faced symptoms during transit, Master must notify to port agent, who will inform Health Department officer.
  • Once vessel is at anchorage area, Health Department officer will board the vessel at first.
  • Once health Department officer has checked all crew member and found all in order, he will instruct Quarantine officer to board the vessel
  • Health Department officer and Quarantine personnel will carry our normal inspection to the vessel and complete free practique outside.
  • Once free pratique outside is completed, pilot will be allowed to board the vessel for transferring her to the berth.

Inland transportation working normally

Airport opened for cargo planes only

Surveys are being attended

No special treatment to cargo

23 April 2020 Samer & Strugar Shipping d.o.o, Montenegro    Prohibition of entry for all cruisers and yachts in ports: Bar, Budva, Kotor, Kumbor –Portonovi, Tivat and Zelenika, until 2 May 2020.

Port of Bar operational for commercial vessels – no restriction. Surveys are performing regularly, strictly following safety measures.

Ban on commercial air traffic as well as restriction from other countries for travel is prolonged until 30 April 2020, including that day.

23 April 2020 Sulnave, Poland   Summary of present containment measures:
  • The ban on repatriation of deceased persons from abroad (body or ashes) has been changed according to the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 07.04.2020, Item 624 and it allows to repatriate of ashes of human remains from abroad and from Poland to another country.
  • Polish ports continue to operate whilst respecting the health and safety of all employees, clients, crew members.
  • For vessel arrivals, ports follow the guidelines and recommendations of the Sanitary Inspection and the Border Guard: Border and sanitary controls have been put in place to check all ship crew members entering ports and they are subject to mandatory body temperature checking. The procedure is carried out by the Border Guard with the assistance of the Fire Department.
  • There are mandatory temperature measurements for all staff or visitors entering ports.
  • Despite these restrictions Polish ports have been able to maintain full berth operations.
  • The reloading operations have no substantial disruption. As the road traffic is not so busy the truck drivers move on their trucks with no delays and according to a schedule.
23 April 2020 GAC, Oman   The current security measures and checkpoints in place in the Governorate of Muscat will be extended until 8 May, the Supreme Committee for dealing with COVID-19 has said.

Further, no large-scale gatherings would be allowed during the Holy Month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin this week.

The Port of Salalah has announced that it had gone completely paperless for its operations, in part of the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Oman.

The port is no longer accepting any paper delivery orders, and the e-delivery order upload solutions have already been implemented and activated.

For a majority of shipping lines, a file transfer protocol (FTP) system has been set up, where shipping lines can upload the PDF version of delivery orders, and port officials can also assess it, the notification said.

The port authorities have also stopped accepting cash for any services offered by them and have instructed all the stakeholders to utilise the electronic payment platform only. And for collecting original bills, the port has arranged a safe dropbox to minimise physical contact.

23 April 2020 Korea   From 13 April all vessels regardless of days since departure from last port will be subject to the below standard set by the National Quarantine Station:

“National Quarantine Station officers will board all vessels entering Korean ports to check crew body temperatures along with handing out ‘Health Questionnaire’ and ‘Travel Record Declaration’ to be submitted by each crew member.  Cargo operation is only allowed after the quarantine certificate is issued by the National Quarantine Station Officer.  For crew to disembark or to enter Korea, he/she must be in possession of a working personal smart phone and must install the government specified ‘Self-diagnosis Application’ on the phone. 14 day quarantine is not required for the crew.”

23 April 2020 Directorate General of Shipping, India DGS Order No. 12 of 2020  The circular provides standard operating procedures for controlled crew changes.
23 April 2020 McLeans – WAMS, Djibouti   Djibouti currently is under a total lockdown with exceptions for essential services. Boarders are closed with the exception of planes or vessels carrying cargo.

Djibouti ports are opened and operate as usual, however the activities within ports have reduced. Surveyors are also allowed to move to and from ports without any restrictions provided they have valid port access cards.

Once vessels arrive in Djibouti waters they remain at Anchorage until all crews on board are tested for COVID-19 by local health officers, and free pratique granted by same quarantine officers, after which the vessel is allowed to berth subject to berths availability.

Once the vessels berth alongside port piers/berths, shore people (stevedore, surveyors, agents etc.) are only allowed to board the vessels when they are in facial masks, medical gloves, and goggles.

Stevedore are available but not always adequate – as it was the case before outbreak of the pandemic.

Crews are not subjected to any discrimination and are treated with dignity and respect, although for now they are not allowed to be disembarked for treatment ashore.

Crew change is also prevented at the moment as the government has suspended international flights (arrivals and departures) since March the 18th 2020 until further notice.

There are disinfectants / cleaning liquid soaps placed inside washrooms /toilets at designated normal locations within ports. Shore people do not wash /sanitize their hands during their entry to ports and such cleaning/sanitization are done by shore people within ports on a voluntary basis.

23 April 2020 Cyprus   The following measures are currently applied strictly at New Limassol Port until further notice:

Disembarkation of passengers from cruise vessels is prohibited.

Any crew change or crew disembarkation either in or out of port irrespective of type of vessel is prohibited.

In case that vessel crew needs to conduct inspections that require its members to disembark, this is only allowed given that:
– Only one member of vessel crew will disembark;
– Inspection will be short in time; and
– Corresponding agent has already notified accordingly DP World Limassol in order to remove staff operating at the vicinity and Ports & Marine Police in order its members to monitor the process until its completion.

Vessel maintenance works (i.e. painting, washing, etc.) that needs to be conducted from quay are prohibited

In case of medical emergency incident regarding passenger or crew member on board vessel, either at anchorage area or in the port, shipping agents exceptionally and only due to the medical incident will be eligible to proceed to the appropriate arrangements only following consultation with Medical Services that will take over the transportation and treatment of patient.

No one is allowed to embark on any vessel for any reason apart of conducting activities related to cargo operations and by not having any interaction with crew members while vessel Master is obliged to retreat/isolate crew under his commandSpecifically, entities allowed to embark vessels are the following:

  • Stevedores / United Stevedoring Company’s staff
  • Lashers / Un-lashers
  • Surveyors (embarkation allowed only for conducting operations monitoring activities – administrational tasks must take place remotely)

In these cases, embarkation is only allowed following isolation of crew at the accommodation of the vessel declared in writing to DP World Limassol by corresponding agent.

Provisions/Supplies: As per Medical & Public Health Services guidelines, crew must remain isolated in accommodation. Vessel Master carries the responsibility to verify to DP World Limassol via the corresponding agent that there won’t be any interaction between the crew members and shore staff. It’s taken for granted that the providers/vendors/ staff must place provisions along quay near the receipt point to be indicated and following their departure the crew will be allowed to receive provisions. This to be confirmed by the on-duty officer of Marine & Ports Police who will be supervising the area.

23 April 2020 McLeans – WAMS, Democratic Republic of Congo   The country is under lockdown and health emergency has been extended until 11 May. The borders are closed except the port. A curfew has been established from 2000  to 0500 with exceptions for essential services.

The port of Pointe Noire is opened to the containers and general cargo ships. Commercial operations tend to be carried out as usual.

The conditions of access are regulated with the passage of health services on board for a systematic control of the sanitary situation of the crew on the harbour before berthing.

Health Services are sending their agents prior Pilot arrival for sanitary inspection (using thermoflash). If any crew member gives indication of contamination, the vessel won’t be authorized to operate in Pointe Noire.

A list of last ports visited is to be sent to the Port Authority 48 hours before arrival.

There is no lack of stevedore.

Crew changes are currently prevented as the Congolese Government suspended international flights from 20.03.2020 until further notice. Furthermore, no shore passes are issued.

23 April 2020 ETIC SAS AFRICA  P&I  Services , McLeans – WAMS, Democratic Republic of Congo   While the country is under partial lockdown, the town of Kinshasa, centre of the pandemic, is always under total lockdown. As consequence, all the flights from and to Kinshasa are cancelled, except for the airplanes carrying cargo. All borders are closed, except for trucks and vessels carrying cargo.

Ports are opened to the containers and general cargo ships but are closed to passenger’s vessel. Ports (Matadi, Boma and Banana) are operational as usual with precaution against contamination of the COVID-19.

There is currently no lack of stevedores which are working 24 hours a day including weekends.

Crew changes are currently prevented by the closure of the boarders. Shore leave is prohibited.

23 April 2020   Bahrain Port will allow the ships to enter Bahraini water 72 hours after receipt of duly filled below documents:
  • Ship Pre arrival notification
  • Crew list
  • Last 10 ports of visit
  • Marine declaration form (to be filled out and singed by the ship Master)
  • Health Declaration form (to be filled out by all incoming vessels, crew or passengers from infected countries or passing through any of the infected countries as per WHO guidelines within the last 14 days)
  • Cruise calls are suspended until further notice.

Personnel Travel

Entry to Bahrain is restricted to Bahraini citizens, residents and few other special categorized personnel.
From above category – those who has travelled to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Iraq or the Lebanese Republic in the 14 days preceding their arrival in the Kingdom will immediately be taken to undergo enhanced testing procedures as a preventative measure for coronavirus (COVID-19) and will be subject to quarantine.

From above category – those who are arriving from any other country will be taken to undergo enhanced testing procedures as a preventative measure for coronavirus (COVID-19) and self-isolation for a period of 14 days.

All who end the 14 days in self-isolation (quarantine) should take another test at Bahrain exhibition center as per MOH as a precautionary measure.

Visa on arrival facility shall be suspended until further notice with effect from 0300 hours on 18/3/2020 with the exception of Diplomats.

Border crossing (Bahrain/Saudi) on the causeway has been temporarily suspended.

Additional information (decisions from Bahrain Cabinet as reported by the local newspaper):

  • Legal action will be taken against anyone who exposes others to infections and refrains from implementing any mandatory measure to prevent the virus from spreading – including failure to commit to home quarantine – and:
  • Violators will be jailed up to three months and/or fined from BD1,000 to BD10,000 – as per Law 34 of 2018 on Public Health.
  • Citizens were urged to take maximum precautions and avoid any recklessness in implementing measures in light of the virus outbreak in several parts of the world.
22 April 2020 OY Lars Krogius AB, Finland   Covid-19 impact in Finland:
  • Measures implemented by the Government include that schools and educational institutions have been closed, restrictions have been applied to public meetings, travel and border crossing, and the capacity of social and health care services are being increased. These restrictions will be in force until 13 May.
  • The Government also restricted traffic and movement between the Uusimaa region and Finland’s other regions during the period of 27 March – 15 April 2020.
  • Passenger traffic restricted in ports, airports and borders.
  • Free movement of goods still applies and working as usual.
22 April 2020 Kenya   From 24 April the  bagging of bulk cargoes at the quayside will  no longer permitted at the port of Mombasa. The process is that bulk cargoes will be discharged directly onto trucks, the cargo is then bagged outside the port. It is the cargo receivers responsibility to arrange a suitable bagging facility.
22 April 2020 McLeans – WAM, GAC,  Guinea    In ports cargo handling is restricted to between  08:00 and 16:00 each day.
22 April 2020 Cariconsult, Belize   15 Маrсh: Nаtіоnаlѕ аnd реrѕоnѕ whо hаvе trаvеlеd wіthіn thе lаѕt 30 dауѕ frоm Сhіnа, Ноng Коng, Іrаn, Јараn, Ѕоuth Коrеа, аnd Еurоре wіll bе рrоhіbіtеd еntrу іntо Веlіzе.

7 April: All borders were closed on 21 March for a period of 30 days. Since 23 March, Philip Goldson International Airport has been closed to international passenger flights.
A curfew is in effect from 20:00 to 05:00.

21 April: The 20:00 to 05:00 curfew will remain in force until 30 April.

22 April 2020 GAC Taiwan, Wilhelmsen, Taiwan   GAC advise that crew members may enter Taiwan only if:
  • They are crew of a Taiwan flagged vessel
  • They are crew from a foreign flagged vessel belonging to a Taiwan owner
  • Their vessel is calling for comprehensive repair work
  • The vessel is being delivered and redelivered in Taiwan
  • They disembark from a vessel sailing Taiwan domestic routing, or one which has berthed at
  • Taiwan port(s) for 30 days without calling foreign ports. Crew’s departure flight information must be advised.
  • All of above conditions exclude PR China flagged vessels and Chinese crew members.

For conditions 1-4, foreign crews must apply for permit under the purpose of business contract, and accepted crew must follow a 14 days period of home quarantine after entry to Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue temporary visa for 21 days, and the port agent or principal must arrange direct transport to the airport or vessel for departure after 14 days quarantine. For condition No.5, the port agent or principal must also arrange direct transport from the vessel to the airport or vessel for departure.

Alternatively, crew shall follow self-health management measure (record of temperature twice a day, wear face mask at public places) upon the short stay in Taiwan.

For foreign crew (excluding those from China, Hong Kong, Macau) qualified to apply for landing/shore, ship owner or master must provide the documents in advance to apply for a crew shore pass:

a) Port call record for previous 14 days
b) Daily record of crew body temperature (must be approved/stamped by Taiwan Centers for disease control)
c) “Novel Coronavirus Prevention Health Declaration Card” – for travel history and health condition
After berthing, the captain should take the body temperature measurement of all crew and complete a health declaration card. If any crew members is displaying possible 2019 n-Cov symptoms, it must be reported immediately. Requests for entry for medical attention will be determined on a case-by-case basis by Immigration and Quarantine officials.

As Taiwan has no quarantine restriction for incoming discharge vessels, it may be convenient for the arrangement of provisions supplies.

22 April 2020 Cariconsult, Bermuda   Bermuda closed its borders to non-residents from 19 March for two weeks. International flights were suspended until 6 April.

Non-essential vessels are not allowed to enter the seaport.

The above measures remain in force and a state of emergency remains in force until 2 May.

22 April 2020 GAC , Caribbean Marine, Cariconsult, Bahamas

 

  The restrictions introduced on 31 March and April 7 will remain in force until 30 April. A nationwide lockdown will take effect from 21:00 on 24 April to 05:00 on 27 April. Only essential services will remain open and all non-exempt persons are to remain in doors.
21 April 2020 Metropole Maritime and Trading Ltd Co, Kalimbassieris Maritime, GAC, Inchcape Shipping Service, Supramar Shipping, Turkey   On the 10 April Turkey introduced restrictions on the disposal of ship’s waste to waste reception facilities.
  • Vessels that have been granted free pratique are permitted to land garbage onshore which is required to be transferred in completely closed bags and has been sorted according to type.
  • Once landed, the bags and temporary storage area are to be disinfected prior to being sent to disposal facilities.
  • The disposal of masks, gloves and other hygiene materials is permitted in small quantities. These items must be placed in a tear-resistant garbage bag which is then placed in a secondary bag. Once landed, the bags are to be stored in the temporary storage area for at least 72 hours prior to being sent for disposal.
  • The garbage from vessels that have not be granted free pratique is to be landed as medical waste.
21 April 2020 Pinto Basto,Portugal  
  • All flights from and to Spain and Italy are suspended, with exception of  diplomatic and armed forces, mail and cargoes, as well as humanitarian or medical.
    Road, railroad and river transportation suspended on Portuguese borders with exemptions.
  • All airspace within EU and Schengen areas will be closed to international flights with destination to EU + Schengen area or departing from, with some minor exceptions.
  • All shore-leaves permits are suspended to all crewmembers within Portuguese ports.
  • On a case by case basis, and upon advice of Health Maritime Authority it may be authorized crew changes or disembarks with repatriation purposes by Immigration Office and Local Port Captaincy.
  • Passenger vessels will not be authorized to disembark any guests/crewmembers/staff. Licenses to go ashore also will not be granted. Exception is made to Portuguese Citizens living in Portugal wishing to debark at our ports.  Cruise vessels still may call Portuguese ports and to carry on provisions, fresh water and other supplies, as well as to perform bunkering operations.
  • All persons arriving to Portugal by sea; air or ground borders may be subject to quarantine for 14 days in hotel. This containment measure may suffer some adjustments by Regional Health Authorities.
  • Vessels not performing commercial calls may be prevented entry into Portuguese ports. On a case by case basis, and upon advice of Health Maritime Authority, Local Port Captaincy may authorized it to enter and carry on provisions, fresh water and other supplies, as well as to perform bunkering operations.
  • No crew changes will be allowed.

Vessels calling Portuguese ports under commercial calls (cruise and passenger ships are exempted):

  • For commercial calls,  vessels are allowed to enter and berth in order to perform commercial ops (load/discharge) with no delays or minor delays on account of terminals/vessels contingency plans.
  • Health Maritime Declaration must be sent prior vessel’s arrival, at least with 24 hrs in advance and with new Health Maritime Declaration sent on arrival day.
    Pilotage, towage services and linesmen are working normally, with some contingency plans of their owns.
  • Crew Shore leave is suspended.
  • Crew changes by primary rule are not allowed. However, same may be required and are subjected to advice of local Health Authorities which will review it on a case by case manner.
  • In some ports, some terminals (on account of its contingency plans) do not allow visitors, crew change nor provisions & supplies by shore side. In these situations launch boat is the only alternative to serve vessels needs by sea side.
  • Contact between Officers and Crew with terminal staff, surveyors and agents are kept to a minimum possible.
  • At present moment there aren’t ports/terminals closed or restricted.

The Portuguese Government have extended the state of emergency until 24:00 on 2 May and the above containment measures will remain in force until 14 May.

21 April 2020 Law Firm Kacic & Brbora, Croatia   Vessels on international voyages which are in self-isolation or quarantine is imposed are prohibited from calling at Croatian ports with the exception of:
  • all ships registered in the Croatian Registry;
  • all ships calling the Croatian ports due to transport of goods;
    passenger ships without passengers, calling the Croatian ports due to lay-up in Croatian port;
  • all ships arriving to the shipyards for maintenance or repairs.
  • All persons onboard ships that are permitted to call at Croatian ports are subject to measures imposed by local authorities. Ships may  be subjected to a sanitary health inspection and disinfection (including cargo).
  • on entry into Croatian territorial waters ships will be contacted by the national VTS by radio. The VTS will then advised the national authorities on the ship’s arrival. In addition to this, the Master is required to provide the local agent with a crew list which includes the port and date of embarkation. This will then be passed to the relevant authorities.

For vessels that have a case of suspected COVID 19 infection:

  • the ship will be denied entry to respective port until health condition of persons on board the ship is assessed by sanitary inspectors.
  • if a case is confirmed prior to departure from a Croatian port, infected person(s) will be disembarked and provided required medical assistance under applicable safety protocols.
  • if the vessel departs the prior to receiving test results, the Master and the next port of call will be informed of the laboratory result, when available, as well as on potential confirmation of infection for the respective person(s).

Port State Control inspections are suspended with exceptions while Flag State inspections will be carried out if there are no infected persons onboard and subject to a strict risk assessment.

21 April 2020 Huatai Marine, China Circular Ref No.: PNI [2020] 06 The circular alerts that additional restrictions may be adopted by local authorities for crew change.
21 April 2020 GAC, Papua New Guinea   GAC advise that all international ships’ first port of call will be the four listed below:
  1. Port of Port Moresby
  2. Port of Lae
  3. Port of Madang, and
  4. Port of Rabaul.

There will be no shore leave by crew of all international vessels and voyage calling into all PNG Ports and port facilities.

There will be a suspension of crew change in all PNG ports facilities for foreign crew.
No crew is allowed on the quayside of PNG port facilities.

No personnel form the portside are allowed on board any international vessel apart from those performing statutory function and relevant stevedores who must be in PPE.

All statutory function undertaken by receiving PNG port personnel should be done strictly with the PNG Department of Health guideline and appropriate PPE.

All cruise vessels and super yacht and any passenger movement via any sea craft are banned from entering any PNG port or port facilities.

All log ships and log ponds must sign a Declaration of Security (DoS) for loading at the log ponds, including port facilities occasioning used for serving international vessels.

Contactless stevedoring including segregation of ship’s crew and shore personnel during loading and unloading must be strictly observed.

All shipping documents must be electronically dispatched where possible.

Any person on any vessel who decides to disembark will have to undergo a 14 day mandatory quarantine in a facility nominated by the Controller.

PNG port facilities cover PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNGPCL) ISPS Port facilities, Private ISPS Port Facilities and facilities occasionally serving international vessels under a Declaration of Security (DoS). Deliberate failure to comply with this Direction and Notice is a breach of this regulation and can warrant a fine of up to K50,000.00 for individuals and up to K500,000.00 for companies or jail time for offending individuals.

21 April 2020 Brazmar, Brazil It is reported that the National Sanitary Authority (ANVISA) issued Resolution RDC No 373, which allows them to renew, once, the validity of the National Certificate of On Board Sanitary Control (or its exemption) for a period of 30 days.

The National Certificate of On Board Sanitary Control, which should not be confused with Free Pratique, is the national equivalent to the Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSC) implemented by the World Health Organization and replaces the previous Deratting Certificates.

The National Certificate of On Board Sanitary Control has a validity of 180 days, and should be carried by the Brazilian flagged vessels during exclusively national transit, and inhabited platforms.

20 April 2020 The Republic of Liberia, Liberia Maritime Authority, Liberia Marine Advisory 14/2020 Fact Sheet on the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance and Trade to Combat COVID-19.
20 April 2020 GAC, C-RECT P & I Services, Japan The state of emergency is now in place for all prefectures and is scheduled to remain in place until 6 May. Function of ports, harbors and terminals are kept maintained as well as most of marine surveyors’ service are well available.
20 April 2020 Ivory Coast  The wearing of masks will become mandatory in the customs zone of the port of Abidjan from Monday 20 April.
20 April 2020 India By the 15th of April, the Ministry of Home Affairs provide consolidated guidelines that include transit arrangements for foreign nationals and advises no new restrictions on port or cargo operations. Taking effect from 20 April, permitting sign-on and sign-off of Indian seafarers at Indian ports; and Intra and inter-state movement of such seafarers on the basis of authorization/e-pass issued by Director General of Shipping, Government of India (DGS), along with physical copy of Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) as proof of identity issued by DGS.
20 April 2020 Proinde P&I, Brazil The Club advises that travel bans, border closures, suspension of crew changes and non-medical repatriations remain in effect.

Otherwise, ports, airports and cargo handling facilities continue to function normally despite the reduced workforce.

The supply of bunkers, stores and spare parts remains steady, while health measures at port facilities and terminals have been stepped up, with some of them denying entry of out-of-town professionals in non-essential assignments.

17 April 2020 Kalimbassieris Maritime, Interservices SA, Atlas P&I Services Romania, Romania On 10 April, the Romanian Government prohibited exportation of grains, grain products and edible oils (listed as wheat, barley, oat, maize, rice, wheat flour, soybean, sunflower, seed oil, sugar, and some bakery and pastry products ) which are origin of Romania are prohibited. This was lifted on 17 April.
17 April 2020 Metropole Maritime and Trading Ltd Co, Kalimbassieris Maritime, GAC, Inchcape Shipping Service, Supramar Shipping, Turkey Turkish ports are operating normally. The authorities are aiming minimum contact between vessel crew and people on shore and on the other hand, there are no operational problems. Vessels enroute to Turkish ports should make required declarations including but not limited to “maritime declaration of health” (MDOH) 48 hours prior to arrival at a Turkish port, whereas the same was applied on 24 hours notice previously.

Ships that have called in their last 10 calls or within last 14 days to certain countries are required to provide a body temperature list for all the crew members on board for the last 3 days before allowing anyone to board the vessel. Inchcape provide a list under the Turkey section: https://www.iss-shipping.com/pages/coronavirus-port-country-implications

Turkish Straits: ships called to any of the listed country ports in their last 10 calls within last 14 days are allowed receive provisions, but no crew change and technician attendance is allowed. During supply operations no one is allowed to board the vessel.
Nationals of countries not on the list can embark but subject to further checks such as flight availability, health conditions etc but no disembarkation is allowed.

Ships coming from a foreign port and bound to a shipyard at Yalova or Tuzla will be quarantined for 14 days before granting free pratique.  Pilotage service at Turkish Straits is given only 20 mins between each to minimise the number of pilots serving.
All ships must pass sanitary inspections before Turkish Straits passages and required to send MDOH and last 10 ports of call list and crew temperature list to the related sanitary office while entering territorial waters.

Minor delays are applicable in granting free pratique as all the vessels are boarded by the sanitary officers during arrival clearances in order to check the situation on the spot and upon their confirmation other clearances are allowed.

Any disembarking crew and passengers to be isolated for 14 days before allowed to leave the country if crew do not have any COVID19 symptoms
No shore leave allowed.

Vessels arriving to any Istanbul port must be disinfected by the Ministry of Health approved companies. No official tariff has been announced

All husbandry services have been suspended at the Tupras Terminals at Tutunciftlik and Aliaga until further notice, due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

Due to congestion at sanitary inspection in the Izmit region, customs control will not performed between the hours of 00:01 to 08:00 local time. Depending on terminal programmes, vessels can drop anchor at the Izmit anchorage area or berth at terminals upon arrival. However, if they arrive between 00:01 LT and 08:00, they will have to wait until 08:00 for customs control.

All vessels calling at Derince Safi Terminal must be disinfected. The tariff for this compulsory disinfection will be as follows, charged to each vessel until further instructions:

0-5,000 GT: USD 500
5,001-10,000 GT: USD 700
10,001-15,000 GT: USD 1,000
15,001 GT and above: USD 1,500

17 April 2020 Geomar Co. Ltd, Georgia On 21 March the Georgian President declared a nationwide state of emergency effective until 21 April.

The country has imposed travel restrictions to foreign nationals with certain exceptions and has banned all cruise vessels calling at any Georgian ports.

All ships calling at Georgian ports shall at least 24 hours before calling the port submit Maritime Health Declaration together with its Annexes. The Harbour Master and port authorities are to be advised if there are any changes to the health of persons onboard after the declaration has been submitted.

If a Ship, her Crew or Passengers entered the countries considered to be High Risk countries (i.e. Peoples Republic of China, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Korea, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark or Austria) within last 21 days, they will be subject to Thermal Screening by the authorized officers of Customs Department of the Revenue Service of Georgia.If a case of COVID 19 has been declared or is identified during the screening process, all possible contact will be restricted with the vessel according to the recommendations issued by the World Health Organisation.

Pilots acting in Georgian ports must use personal safety equipment while going on-board of all ships, including: Masks, Single Use Gloves and Safety Glasses.

Harbour Master office requests all crew to put on masks and PPE required for the prevention of spread of virus before meeting with pilot embarking on the weather deck.

The Bridge team are also required to put on masks during pilotage. All vessels should follow this guideline closely.

17 April 2020 Pandiman Philippines Inc, Del Rosario, SPICA Services, GAC, The Philippines The Philippine government has now allowed foreign cruise ships with Filipino crew members to dock in Manila ports and to be used as quarantine facilities for their crew members. Foreign crew on the cruise ships will be allowed to disembark in Manila “for the sole purpose of taking outbound flights to their final destination abroad” after finishing the 14-day mandatory quarantine upon disembarkation.
17 April 2020 Intermarc Services, GAC, Sri Lanka The existing curfew in the districts Colombo (where the Port of Colombo is), Gampaha, Kaluthara, Puttalam, Kandy and Jaffna continues until further notice. The curfew in the rest of the country (areas including Ports of Galle, Hambantota and Trincomalee) will be in force until 0600h  on Tuesday 16 April, and re-imposed on the same day at 1600h and will be in force until the 20 April 2020. During the hours of curfew, movement from one district to another has been completely banned except for essential services. Disembarkation of crew members for a medical emergency will be considered as a life saving measure and the approval will be granted by the Deputy Director of Port Health on a case by case basis.
17 April 2020 GAC Taiwan, Wilhelmsen, Taiwan From 19 March all foreign nationals are forbidden to enter Taiwan, except for those holding a residence permit, diplomatic official certifications, business performance certifications or other authorised persons.All personnel accepted for entry must follow a 14 day period of home quarantine after entering Taiwan.

Foreign seafarers are not permitted to enter the country. However Taiwanese seafarers are permitted and are required to undergo a 14 day home quarantine once they have entered the country.

A summary of present measures in force in Taiwan are:

  • Ports are open and operational with necessary restrictions
  • Crew changes are not permitted
  • Crew are  only permitted to leave the vessel in exceptional circumstances
  • For vessels that have called at a high risk area and have crew showing symptoms of COVID 19, the Master is to report this to Taiwan Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) via the local Agent immediately.
17 April 2020 Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L, Argentina Beginning from 13 April, Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L advise:

Mandatory quarantine imposed in all Argentina territory has been extended for a third period until 27th April. Urgent services concerning international trade exempted.

Port/ships operations continue.

Restrictions: apply depending on ship’s previous ports, pre-arrival health information, transit time, etc. Despite of the National Protocol which does not provide for quarantine of those vessels calling from any port with less than 14 days with no symptoms on board (and medical/port/crew records to the satisfaction of Health Authorities) various parties in different ports are takin a different approach, as far as we know as follows:Necochea & Bahia Blanca ports: Health Authorities request ships calling from “affected areas” a 14-day transit form last port of call. Stevedores,  however, refuse to provide services to any ship calling with less than 14 days transit time. Due to conflict with stevedores some terminals may operate with restrictions (working hours).

San Nicolas port (public berths): port authorities request ships calling a 14-day transit time from any previous port.

Surveyor attendance: Still attending but every day becoming more restricted the availability of surveyors to go on board.

“Affected areas”: EU members, Schengen members, UK and North Ireland, United States of America, Korea, Japan, China, Iran, Chile and Brazil.

16 April 2020 GAC, Pakistan It is reported that the Government of Pakistan has announced the extension of lockdown for two more weeks until 30 April to contain the spread of COVID-19. However, it has also decided to open certain economic activities/operations/businesses, provided they comply with the Standard Operational Procedures as set by provincial/state governments.

The country’s ports and terminals are exempt from the lockdown as they are considered essential services. As such, operations at ports and terminals (including LNG & bulk cargo) at Port Qasim, Karachi and Gwadar are running smoothly without interruption, with critical/essential staff, as per their COVID-19 response plans to ensure business continuity. However, there may be delays in operations.

16 April 2020 ETIC SAS, AFRICA  P&I  Services, Ivory P&I, BUDD Liberia, Liberia The Government of Liberia has placed travel restrictions on flights from countries reporting 200 or more COVID-19 cases.The port of Monrovia is operational. The local port Authority has not yet issued any restrictions on seaport or vessels entering.

The National Port Authority and APM Terminals Liberia at Monrovia port advise that all port users within the commercial and operational area of all seaports within Liberia such as, stevedores, cargo surveyors, boarding Agent, Supervisors, Tally Clerks, crane Operators, field Managers, vessels’ crews, are advised to take strict health practices or measure to ensure the washing of hand, usage of face mask and wearing of glove as a safe measure set by the ministries of health.

All vessel crews are not allowed to leave the vessel while the vessel is in port. However, all seaport operations are ongoing within Liberia such as:

  1. Disembarkation of stowaway from vessels
  2. Disembarkation of Sick Crew Members
  3. Loading and offloading of vessels operations

15 April: On the 10 April the Government of Liberia declared a 21 day state of emergency in four counties (Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Kru and Margibi) and put the rest of the country into a 14 day quarantine. Only essential business and government offices remain open and they close at 15:00 at the latest each day.

Ports remain open and commercial operations continue to take place.

15 April 2020 Cariconsult, Suriname The Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) requires the following in order to preventing and/or mitigating the transmission of the COVID-19:

All ship pre-arrival documents, in particular the crew list and the Maritime Declaration of Health (MDoH) form, shall be authorized by the captain of the ship;

If there is a report of a sick person after sending the first MDoH form, a new form shall be drawn up and sent to the MAS;

If on arrival of the ship at the light ship (LS) buoy the shipping agent is informed by the crew that a sick person is on board, the he shall pass this information to the MAS/Vessel Traffic Control (VTC) and the Public Health Department (BOG), through the emergency number 178, without delay; and

It is prohibited to transport sick crew member to the doctor without prior authorization of BOG

On March 25, 2020 The Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) provide this precaution in order to preventing and/or mitigating the transmission of the COVID-19 to pilots:

Prior to the pilots bearding the vessel, the bridge and equipment must be sanitized including as well as the pilots’ chair, door handles, piloting stations and open bridge wings, radars, chart tables, etc.

Port health and the Port authorities must be advised on the health status of all persons onboard as outlined in the pre-arrival documentations.

The pilot must be escorted by one person to and from the bridge.

Pilots will not greet with the customary handshake any shipboard personnel.

Non-essential crew members should have kept out of the bridge while the vessel is being piloted.

Where possible, systems should be put in place to allow the vessel to be piloted from the wings.

Vessel Captains will be allowed to enter or depart the harbor without a pilot whenever possible

All shipboard personnel must maintain a distance of at least two meter from the pilot. This space should also be maintained during Master/Pilot information exchange.

15 April 2020 GlobalPandi, Caribbean Marine, Venezuela The Maritime Authority of Venezuela carries out daily control of the movement of users by water and the traffic of ships (entry of international flags into jurisdictional waters, docking and undocking, arrivals and departures), as well as the supervision of the state of health of the crews that are on board ships.

The Decree 4.186 published on April 12, 2020 extended the State of Alarm for thirty (30) days in the national territory.

15 April 2020 Caribbean Marine, St Eustatius The Government of St. Eustatius issued the Emergency Ordinance COVID-19 Additional Measures St. Eustatius in which it imposes a series of measures in its territory to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, which will be in force between April 3 to 14

The document established a series of prohibitions which are compulsory, fines or penalties will apply in case any violation:

People who enter to the island will be isolated (quarantine) including permanent residents.

Activities which involved more than fifteen (15) people simultaneously.

Economic and commercial activities are suspended, with the exception of supermarkets, service stations, pharmacies and establishments dedicated for the provision of food or beverages.

The use of protective equipment to prevent COVID-19 infection (gloves and masks); it is recommended to maintain a minimum separation of 1.5 meters from another person.

In relation to the Maritime activities, the ports are open, but operating with minimal personnel and in shorter period of time. A protocol for the all type of ships calling St. Eustatius Port was implemented. All Masters entering the waters of the Island will be subject to a series of questions by the authorities focussing on crew list, the last 10 ports visited especially in the past 4 weeks and the submission of a Maritime Health Declaration. Ships that do not meet requirements will be placed in quarantine for 15 days. Direct contact between the different authorities and / or port personnel with any member of the ship is reduced to a minimum, and all persons must carry the respective personal protective equipment at all times. No crewmember is allowed to disembark; crew change is also forbidden.

15 April 2020 O.F. Gollcher & Sons Ltd, Malta  Authorities have introduced the following additional measures.

Surveys or inspections within or outside Maltese Territorial Waters:

  • With immediate effect surveyors, technicians and other personnel will not be allowed to interact with vessels.
  • Embarkation/disembarkation of personnel on board sea-going vessels within or outside territorial waters will not be permitted.
  • Surveyors and similarly designated personnel may operate from onboard local bunkers barges or service boats BUT not transfer to the sea-going vessels.
  • In certain circumstances these restrictions may be lifted if both Maltese Governmental departments (Port Heath and Port Operations) give consent and specific safety instructions are followed.

Surveys or inspections in port:

  • If a vessel is granted permission to enter Maltese Ports, interaction with surveyors is only permitted if  both Maltese Governmental departments (being Port Heath and Port Operations) consent.
  • In general, attendance onboard will only be allowed once the crew have undergone a 14 day quarantine period. Otherwise a person boarding a vessel may be subject to a 14 day quarantine period themselves.
  • Special authorisation may be given in an extraordinary situation e.g. fire or accident onboard, oil spillage etc.
15 April 2020 Caribbean Marine, Curacao All commercial flights are cancelled with the exception of inflight carrying local residents.

Authorized specialists, freight and medical services between Aruba, Bonaire, St Maarten, St Eustatius and Saba are exceptions to the rules

Curacao Port Authority (CPA) has confirmed on April 9th, 2020 the continuity of following measures:

  • Vessel traffic has been restricted to only cargo, repair and bunkering supply.
  • A protocol regarding the COVID 19 has to be accomplished 72hrs prior vessel arrival.
  • The Master has to send the Health Declaration during this period.
  • Vessels calling the container or breakbulk terminals should follow measures from Curacao Port Authority.
  • No disembarking is allowed of any crewmember from vessel at berth, unless there is a medical emergency in that case the communication will be at first instance through the emergency numbers.
  • Spares parts or shipments sent to vessels and landed for export can still be delivered in port and off port taking in consideration the altered scheduled of the transportation by air and sea cargo.
14 April 2020 GAC, Qatar Mesaieed Port
  • Vessels are permitted to call to Mesaieed port, except for those calling directly from Iranian ports, which are subject to 14 days’ waiting period before being allowed entry.
  • All vessels must submit Corona Virus declaration, Maritime Declaration of Health, Master’s
  • Declaration, Last 10 Port of call and crew list & temperature reading of all onboard 72 hours before arrival/berthing and resubmit 48, 24, 12, 6 and 3 hours prior to arrival.
  • If any crew are suspected of COVID 19 infection, the port shall contact the medical authorities for assistance and testing. After clearance, vessels are being permitted to berth.
  • Entry into the country has been suspended for all nationalities except for Qataris. No shore leave is permitted, including berth and jetty, unless in case of emergency and subject to approval from Port Management. No crew changes are authorised until further notice.

Hamad Port

  • All vessels to submit Declaration form with Pre – Arrival Information 72/48/24 Hours prior arrivals
  • No other requirement officially announced so far

Ras Laffan Port

  • All vessel calling Ras Laffan, Maritime Health Declaration normally need to be submitted to regulation department 72 Hrs prior to arrival, in addition Master need to update & resubmit MDH 24 Hours prior berthing also.
  • If vessel arriving directly from China or called in china, the quarantine period commences on departure China, Ras Laffan port regulation will review the departure date from China and berth if vessel completed 15 days of quarantine period before calling Qatar.
  • If any crew onboard suspected with Corona Virus, Ministry of Health will attend the vessel for inspection, pilot will board once Ministry of Health approved to board.
  • Off signers from foreign vessels should attend screening inside port. All off signers should wear mask & gloves upon leaving from vessel till they exit from Qatar.
  • Crew arriving from Halul island or area operating directly by QP should complete Corona virus screening inside Ras Laffan port.
  • On Signers will screen at Hamad International airport only
  • A list of off-signers should be prepared for all those who hold a valid Qatar seaman visa, completed their stay inside country above 40 days, mentioning their sign-on date, and sent to [email protected] for submission to Port/Immigration authorities at the earliest. Port & Immigration are instructed to complete the sign-off of crew members staying above 40 days at a time from a vessel or cancel all sign-off till situation back to normal.
  • While booking exit flight ticket, make sure airline will accept the crew members to board the flight, otherwise crew will be stuck inside the country and the Immigration department will take necessary action against crew/agents/vessel owners. Crew members are not permitted to stay in a hotel and wait for exit flight.
  • No more seaman or business visa application are being accepted by the Immigration Department till further notice.

Duqm Port

  • Port remains operational. All ships calling at the Port of Duqm are requested through their agent in addition to the standard vessel registration and notification, to submit the IMO Declaration of Health together with the declaration/questionnaire in annex of this document. These documents should be signed by the master of the vessel and send by email to [email protected].
  • In case of a negative declaration of the master of the vessel (no sickness on board), the vessel will enter the harbor following the standard procedure, pilot and the doctor of MOH (Ministry of Health) will board the vessel at the pilot station.
  • The doctor of MOH will inspect the vessel prior to any operation, entry or leave to the said vessel.
  • Once the inspection is finished, operations can start considering all necessary precautionary sanitary measures.
  • In case of positive declaration of the master, the vessel will not be allowed to enter the port and must go at anchor. The respective sick crew member(s) will be screened by the doctor of MOH and medical team of Port of Duqm.
  • In case positive to COVID19, the vessel will have to stay in quarantine and the master must follow the instructions of the MOH.
  • The crew of vessels calling Port of Duqm within a period less than 14 days will remain in quarantine during stay at the port. No shore leaves nor physical interaction with operation workers is allowed.
  • Agents are requested to follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Health in case of crew change.
  • Crew shore leave is not allowed.
  • Port users are requested to avoid physical contact with crew members, to wear masks on board the vessels and use disinfecting product to wash hands after visiting the vessels.
  • The MOH and HM Office to be contacted in case of any suspicious situation concerning the Corona Virus in the Port area and on board the vessels in within the Port Limits.
14 April 2020 Romania The Romanian Government has published a new regulation in order to ensure that the domestic products remain in the country stock. According to Military Ordinance no. 8 which has come into force, the exportation of grains, grain products and edible oils (listed as wheat, barley, oat, maize, rice, wheat flour, soybean, sunflower, seed oil, sugar, and some bakery and pastry products ) which are origin of Romania are prohibited until 16 May. Issuance of Phytosanitary Certificates for the export of agricultural products is suspended during the emergency state.
14 April 2020 GAC, Caribbean Marine, Trinidad and Tobago The Trinidad & Tobago Government has extended its Stay At Home Order until 30 April and is taking additional action to intensify the compliance in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With immediate effect members of the public must wear masks when outside. Crew changes are currently affected as sea and air borders are closed until 30 April. Special permission may be given to vessels already in port for disembarking crew only.
14 April 2020 GAC, Oman Port of Salalah

Container Terminal:

  1. Manning and resources deployment continue as normal.
  2. Vessel operations continue as normal.
  3. Gate operations continue as normal.

General Cargo Terminal:

  1. Dry / liquid bulk operations continue as normal.
  2. Manning and resources continue as normal.
  3. Dhow operations continue as normal.
  4. Garbage services are suspended for the time being.

Marine services:

  1. Port health doctor will check all vessels on berthing and grant free pratique prior to start of any cargo operations.
  2. Cavotec mooring systems are not available until mid-May. All vessels to berth with minimum 4×2 lines fore and aft.
  3. Cruise vessel calls limited to bunkering at anchorage.
  4. Marine operations continue as normal.
  5. Crew Change is not permitted.
14 April 2020 GAC, Indoceanic Services, Mauritius  The COVID-19 Lockdown / Sanitary Curfew in Mauritius has been extended until 3 May 2020.

Operations continue at Port Louis, under specific procedures for vessels calling at anchorage and quay for cargo/bunkering operations.

For bunkering and spares delivery at anchorage, fresh documents must be provided 24 hours ahead of ETA. Green light will be granted to vessel to call at anchorage for bunkering and pick up of spares only if:

  • there is no disembarkation of crew members while at anchorage.
  • there is no human interaction between crew members and operators during loading of bunker and spares.

At no point should agents and operators involved in loading of bunker and spares board the ship or ship crew member board the bunker barge.

The airport remains closed until further notice.

14 April 2020 GAC Yemen Ltd, Hodship-Aden, Yemen  The Yemen Gulf of Aden Ports Corporation announced the following precautionary measures to be taken upon the arrival of ships to tackle the pandemic:
  1. All ships are obligated to spray with sterilizers before entering port, to include spraying the deck, accommodation and the stairwell.
  2. After that, the medical personnel will board the ship with camera and modern examination equipment for crew medical examination.
  3. Ship’s certificates will be checked, followed by a report sent to the Executive Chairman of the Yemen Gulf of Aden Ports Corporation on the condition of the ship.
  4. If the ship is found to be infected, it willbe directed to leave port immediately.
  5. Ship’s ladder shall not be descended while ship at berth.
  6. Ship’s crew shall not be allowed to land from ship to jetty.
  7. Ships shall remain at anchorage for a week before they are allowed to enter port.
  8. Dhows and sailing boats are banned from port entry.
  9. Masks and gloves will be provided to all port workers and employees on a daily basis.
  10. All port departments and buildings will be sprayed and sterilized.
14 April 2020 GAC, India GAC advise as follows:
  • All ports/terminals in India, handling liquid bulk cargoes; are working with nominal resources – due to lockdown conditions prevailing in the country.
  • Storage space at all Liquid Terminals/Tankages at most of the Ports are understood to be critical due to slow evacuation.
  • Vessels arriving with chemical cargoes mainly ACETIC ACID and TOLUNE are facing increased delays due to non-availability of space & slow evacuation of previous cargoes already in storage tanks. AMMONIA, HSD and LPG too are understandably facing storage constraints.
  • Latest guidance issued by the Home Ministry, Government of India (Office of the Home Secretary in New Delhi) – instructing all State Government authorities and other facilitating agencies to ensure – free movement of all essential goods to /from Ports, Intra & Inter-State movement of trucks etc. without any hindrances. There is reported ambiguity surrounding the definitions of ‘essential’ and ‘non-essential’ commodities is lending impediments to the whole logistics process.
  • A severe shortage of workers and transport in clearing of cargo (Both Dry & Liquid) from Ports continue to slowdown operations at ports/Terminals, considerably – this is despite the Ports in India facing no lockdown restrictions.
  • Berthing delay for Vessels (Especially on the E/C Indian Ports, mainly HALDIA, PARADIP, KPATNAM) remains high due to more vessels lining up for berthing and turnaround time getting extended.
14 April 2020 EMCO Group, GAC, AMBEK Marine Surveyors Group, Libya Libyan Authorities announced that due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic all air, ground and maritime Libyan borders will be closed for 3 weeks (with potential extension)

A night-time curfew (6pm – 6am) is in place.If a vessel is calls to Libya from a country that has recorded COVID-19 cases, the vessel will go into quarantine for 14 days at anchorage.   The quarantine period starts to count from the date the vessel sailed from previous port of call. Thereafter, it will undergo an inspection by the Health Ministry.  If it is found “clean”, it will then be permitted to enter the port.

The courts in Libya have postponed most cases until June and only urgent matters are being dealt with.27 March: All ports are working normally and safely however due to the present Covid situation port authority issued new instruction with regards to port entry and direct contact with ship crew, as such please note the following:

  • all vessel are allowed to berth upon arrival as usual provided availability of a berth, except vessel carrying automobiles and or livestock which should stay 14 day as quarantine
  • upon vessel arrival port pilot station, quarantine committee is to be first one to board the vessel to check out crew medical condition, if all negative then vessel to be allowed to enter with Pilot using Radio communication facility on tug boats assistance
  • it is prohibited for crew to leave the vessel or get in contact with any of the stevedores or any person from a shore
  • if master is unable to enter the port without pilot on board then vessel to wait 14 days at anchor or it is to the discretion of pilot to board the vessel wearing with all protective clothes

10 April:

Embarkation onto any ship has been banned for everyone including pilots and immigration officers etc.  The pilot must perform his work via the VHF while he is on board the pilot tug.

If the master refuses to enter port without a pilot onboard, then the pilot may go onboard the ship after taking safety measures (wearing the dedicated clothes, mask, gloves etc).  In case the pilot is unable to do that and the master still refuses to enter the port without the pilot, then the ship must wait at the anchorage area for 14 days before entering the port.

The crew are not permitted to leave the ship except for emergency cases.  In an emergency, any action should be taken only via the health authority.

All ship agents must provide the following:

  • a list of the last ten ports visited by the ship;
  • a crew list which should include the date of sign on;
  • a declaration signed by the ship’s master stating the situation on board the ship in relation to coronavirus.

All required paper work must be done electronically.

At least two towage tugs must be hired for berthing.

A final declaration must be given by the health authority.

Disposing of any waste is prohibited while the ship in port.

14 April 2020 McLeans – WAM, GAC, Guinea Ports are still working without any restrictions. Sanitary measure are implemented such as hands washing and temperature checking before boarding the ship.There is no lack of stevedores for the time being.
Sanitary services are active to control the temperature and any suspected cases are quarantined.
There is not any disinfection services at the Conakry Port.10 April: The following restrictions and regulations are in place at ports in Guinea to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
  • Vessels may not enter port prior to Free Pratique being granted by Health Control at anchorage.
  • Pilots must use protective equipment (masks, gloves, etc.).
  • No garbage disposal.
  • Crew changes are not authorised. The airport is closed.
  • Crew should stay on board their vessel. No shore passes are being given to crew.
  • Curfew in force from 21.00 to 05.00 hours.

Required documentation:

  • Health Maritime Declaration
  • Ship Sanitation Certificate
  • Water Analysis Certificate
  • Phytosanitary + Fumigation-Pest Control Certificate required for vessels carrying grains

 

14 April 2020 VdA, Wilhelmsen, Equatorial Guinea A ‘State of Alarm for Health Reasons’ has been declared in Equatorial Guinea
  • All trade vessels calling local ports will be required to submit list of previous 10 port calls as well as crew list and other documents
  • Vessels will be cleared at anchorage and screening will be done
  • Vessels will not be put on quarantine unless required by the health authorities and will determine if cargo operations can be conducted.
  • Fumigation of vessels is mandatory.
  • Crew changes and shore leave not permitted
14 April 2020 Cariconsult, Caribbean Marine, Dominican Republic Masters and / or managers of the ships must send 48 hours before arrival the health declaration of all the crew, among other required research information, which must be validated by the Ministry of Public Health. Once the health authority validates that all safety requirements are met and after having carried out the respective health inspection of the crew, the ship

will be authorized to enter the port.

As part of the preventive measures taken within port operations, it was indicated that all persons boarding ships should wear nitrile gloves and masks.

Port operations continue on a regular basis, but the personnel required to physically work at the port will be limited to critical personnel. Likewise, crew changes and temporary passes to access the terminals are suspended until further notice.

14 April 2020 Kalimbassieris Maritime, Elias Marine Consultants Ltd, EMCO Group, Inchcape Shipping Services, Cyprus All borders with the Turkish occupied territory of Cyprus have closed until further notice.

Since 15 March, there has been a ban entry of any citizen regardless of nationality to enter Cyprus. The travel ban has been extended until 18 April 2020.

Courts are permitting entry to their premises for urgent matters only and most hearings have been postponed.

All surveyors and agents have been advised by the Cyprus Ports Authority that they are not permitted to go onboard vessels if they can carry out their work electronically (e.g. dealing with forms).  Those who must attend onboard (e.g. for loading/discharge operations, taking samples etc) must do so only once the Master confirms in writing to the relevant port authority that the crew will be isolated and kept away from those going onboard.

No crew changes are permitted (embarkation / disembarkation) within the territorial waters of the Republic of Cyprus.

On 24th March 2020 from 18.00 hours, Cyprus imposed the prohibition of all unnecessary travel within the Republic of Cyprus unless it is to attend work or to source vital supplies. This has now been extended until 30 April 2020.  There is also a full night curfew between the hours of 9pm to 6am.

DP World Limassol Port: All trade enabling activities at the terminal are being carried out as normal, while assuring that all steps are being taken to protect the port community.

14 April 2020 EMCO Group, Lebanon  On 15th March 2020 the Lebanese government announced a medical state emergency, obliging all citizens to remain at home except for extreme necessity

The Government has declared the airport, airspace and all sea and land borders as closed for passengers as from Wednesday 18th March until 26 April, except for UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon), diplomatic missions and cargo aircraft.

Ports in Lebanon will be closed to passengers, but cargo is still permitted entry.

The measures applied at the Lebanese ports for commercial vessels consists of members of the Ministry of Health attending onboard the vessels arriving from countries at risk and prior to their berthing checking the body temperatures of all crewmembers onboard to verify whether any of them are suffering from any of the symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Depending on the findings of the Ministry’s representatives, measures are decided on a case-by-case basis.

14 April 2020 Cave & Co, Chile Under normal circumstances, the holder of an OBL must surrender it to the carrier or his agent in exchange for a facsimile of the Bill with a stamp reading “Valid for Customs purposes”. This facsimile is filed – together with the other documents required by Customs – by a Customs Agent to obtain release of the cargo from Customs. Under the Chilean Code of Commerce, no carrier delivers the goods to the consignee direct, but rather to Customs, who verify the proper declaration of the goods, the payment of import duties and taxes, as well as the legality of the import. The verification of the identity of the true owner of the goods is achieved by the aforementioned procedure to surrender an OBL to the carrier or his agent.

The Chilean Customs Authority has issued Resolution 1179 covering a number of special procedures to avoid in-person formalities in the light of the COVID19 virus situation. Article 1, Nos. 3 and 7, allows the OBL holder to surrender it to the carrier or his agent as a scanned copy sent by email. The carrier or his agent then returns the facsimile referred to above, also by email, facsimile which is used to obtain release of the cargo from Customs. The party surrendering the OBL is required to forward the OBL (hard copy) to the carrier or his agent within 30 days of receiving the facsimile. A similar procedure applies to correction of OBLs. Resolution 1179 will remain in force until revoked by a similar Resolution issued by Customs.

14 April 2020 Canada It is reported that Canada will continue to use a risk-based approach in selecting vessels for PSC inspections.
  • On-site inspection will be maintained mostly for foreign vessels identified as High Priority (P1) under regional PSC MOUs; Time onboard and interactions with crew will be minimized as much as possible during these on-site inspections
  • For other selected vessels (including foreign tankers identified as Medium Priority (P2)), verification done through document review – with the possibility of on-site inspection, if document review not satisfactory
  • If a ship cannot fulfil convention/statutory requirement despite best efforts (e.g.: challenges to revalidate seafarer or ship certificates or delays in completing required audit, surveys, repairs, etc),  TC will take a pragmatic approach to compliance – in accordance with the Paris and Tokyo MOUs guidance on PSC inspections under COVID-19 situation – assessing situation on a case by case basis.

For Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM) inspections, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) are to conduct non-compliant inspections (at anchorage) and import inspections at a particular rate based on risk. Other measures may include requesting additional information prior to inspections to reduce the amount of time spent on a vessel and interacting with crew.

14 April 2020 JF (Bangladesh) Limited, Interport Group, Coast To Coast P&I Services Ltd, Dept. of Shipping Instruction to Ports and Ships, Bangladesh Chittagong Port Authority states that in order to prevent the COVID-19 in the country, all the Shipping Agents will have to provide information  stating that  ”Ship’s Master and his Crew members are free from Coronavirus“ at the time of giving declaration of arrival of the vessel .

The Radio Control will confirm this with the Master on arrival of the vessel at outer anchorage and then will record the same in the “Fresh Arrival Book”.

Chittagong Port Authority announce suspension of crew changes of Merchant Ships calling at Chittagong Port for eight (8) weeks from 21 March.

If a crew change is unavoidable, a 14 day self-isolation period is required. Foreign ships arriving at the Chattogram port will be quarantined for 16 days. If the ship does not take 16 days after leaving a foreign port, it will have to wait at outer anchorage of Chattogram port to complete the quarantine period

Port of Mongla

Masters of all vessels calling at Mongla Port must submit before arrival at Fairway Buoy:

  • ‘De-ratting’ Exemption Certificate
  • Free Pratique Certificate
  • Master’s declaration that the onboard crew are free from Coronavirus
  • From 19 March, shore passes will not be issued for any crew on board ships calling at Mongla Port. It has also been notified that crew change have been suspended and joining crew will not be permitted to enter Port Area/ Premises. Thus crew change at Mongla Port is no longer possible

By April 6th: The Ministry of Industries of the Government of Bangladesh has banned the import of scrap ships In order to prevent the transmission of Coronavirus (Covid-19) – all activities of imported vessels for the purpose of recycling are to be stopped.

14 April 2020 GAC, ETIC SAS, AFRICA  P&I Services, Budd Group, Angola The Government of Angola has further extended the State of Emergency until 25 April. Therefore, all government institutions including ports and offshore terminals continue to function with minimum staff to attend essential services.

Following operations continue to be suspended until the State of Emergency is lifted:

  • Crew changes and transportation of personnel offshore (except critical medical emergencies)
  • Immigration and visa services
  • Domestic flights
  • Offshore crude liftings continue to operate with only customs police onboard.
  • Agent and other authorities are restricted from to travel offshore facilities.
11 April 2020 Italy All Italian ports are open for container ships and commercial vessel for the traffic of goods, whilst an international suspension of cruise ship traffic and a national suspension (or drastic reduction) of passenger traffic for Sardinia and Sicily Islands are operative.

Terminals, stevedores and logistic activities are operating under strict rules and safety conditions to safeguard all operators, stevedores and crew members from potential exposure.

The Courts remain operative only for urgent procedures, such as arrest or payment injunctions, which can be filed electronically (system now in use in Italy).Mediation and negotiation proceedings are suspended until 11th May 2020. All time bars and prescription terms expiring between 16th April 2020 and 11th May 2020 (already suspended from 9th March 2020 and 15th April 2020 by pervious law) are suspen

13 April 2020 Danish P&I, Denmark While initiatives are being made to “reopen Denmark” in stages, the closing of the Danish borders have been extended until 10 May for all foreigners not having a documented purpose for entry
09 April 2020 Yemen The following measures have been introduced at the port of Aden:
  • Lashing and unlashing of cargo is to be conducted by ship’s crews, this includes container vessels and terminal staff will only be working from the quayside.
  • The lowering of gangways is not permitted,  the crew are not permitted to physically come into contact with terminal staff or disembark the vessel. Contact with terminal staff is to be done remotely.
  • Visitors, included local agents are not permitted to board the vessel. All communications must be done remotely.
  • Vessels are permitted to take on stores however this is to be conducted at anchor and after arrangements have been made with the ports health officials.
09 April 2020 MedPandi, Indeco, Spain

 

  State Bulletin Order TMA/330/2020 of 8 April extends the restriction of entry in Spanish ports of passenger ships and ro-ro ships providing regular services between Italy and Spain if they have embarked passengers in Italian ports, with the exception of drivers of traction heads of ro-ro cargo.

Cruise vessels coming from any port are also prohibited.

It is expected that this new extension of the period of state of emergency will be agreed until 26 April.

Ports will continue to be operating, loading and discharge of goods are on-going.

Stevedores and personnel attending on board vessels shall continue to take basic precaution such as the use of masks and keep a safety distance of 1.5 mts from each person in contact.

In case that a vessel calling any Spanish port declares any ill crewmember with signs of COVID 19 or there is a suspicion of health alert, Port Authorities will follow a Technical Instruction where the vessel will be requested to immediately inform, through the Maritime Declaration of Health, to the Port Authority, the Harbour Master or the Maritime Port Traffic Control Centre.

Depending on the circumstances, and after a Health Inspection on board the vessel has been undertaken, the Port Authorities will decide if the vessel remains at anchorage or if allowed to berth at a designated berth.

08 April 2020 Indoceanic Services, Seychelles   The port remains open but not to passenger ships.

Ships before arrival Port Victoria must do their normal maritime health declaration. 

08 April 2020 Indoceanic Services, Reunion Island   Port -Reunion is open but vessels have to fill-in the maritime declaration of health and give a list of embarking crew members  (with date and place of embarkation).

Before arrival MRCC contact the Master and check if no crew members are ill on board.

The Master has an obligation to inform of whether or not symptomatic persons are on board. Failure to do so is an offense punishable by imprisonment and fine. If no suspicion, free pratique granted.

If suspicion, vessel stay at anchorage waiting for health authorities’ intervention.

An official document will be issued soon by the authorities.

All requests for special operations at Port-Reunion are under the control/approval of the authorities.

All requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

08 April 2020 GAC, Jordan   The Jordanian Maritime Commission (JMC) has announced sterilization of ships calling at the port of Aqaba among the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Places to be sterilized, where there is direct contact between ship’s crew and related staff whose work requires entry to the places of subsistence and boarding on board, will be identified and inventoried to reduce the time to as little as possible to ensure no delay in handling of cargo.

Substances to be used in sterilization must have no effect on human health.

The cost of sterilization should not exceed a maximum of 500 JD, despite the high prices of sterilization materials from their source.

08 April 2020 Cariconsult, Dominican Republic   Borders are closed to foreign nationals until at least 12 April.

A curfew is in effect from 17:00 to 06:00 until at least 18 April.

08 April 2020 Cariconsult, Dominica   All ports of entry are closed to passengers until further notice.

No airlines or ferries are operating into Dominica with passengers.

Only air and sea cargo are allowed, with exceptions for aircraft, ships or other vessels carrying (a) citizens of Dominica (b) resident diplomats (c) medical personnel or (d) any other authorised persons.

A nightly curfew is in effect from 18:00 to 06:00, and a weekend curfew from 18:00 on Friday to 06:00 on Monday.

08 April 2020 Indoceanic Services, Comoros   They have implemented a ban on any type of gathering and the government imposed closing of mosques throughout the territory.

The ports are operational without any restriction and work normally.

08 April 2020 Bermuda, Cariconsult   Bermuda closed its borders to non-residents from 19 March for two weeks. International flights were suspended until 6 April.

Non-essential vessels are not allowed to enter the seaport.

07 April 2020 GAC, C-RECT P & I Services, Japan   Operation of harbor, port and terminal in the areas is not restricted and for the time being correspondents and local surveyors’ service is/will be available as normal.
07 April 2020 Caribbean Marine, French Guyana   All measures taken in France regarding the COVID 19 pandemic are applied in this area due to this is an overseas department and region of the French Republic.

Any move from people which is non-essential journey must be declared by an attestation Letter and reasons of going out must be on the authorized list.

Borders with neighbour countries are closed and flight from/to France are extremely restricted to medical/urgent work/family emergency.

No restrictions for merchant shipping operations but protocols and procedures regarding COVID19 has to be followed.

Pre-arrival procedure must be accomplished.

  • A Health Declaration will be requested to Masters as part of the procedure.
  • In case of any member of crew presents fever, then Harbor Master will contact specialized medical Centre who will instruct isolation measures to be taken.
  • In case no case declared by Master, then vessel can berth normally.

Most ports, pilots/tugs/linemen decided to reduce their team at minimum, service is still in force but impossible to berth/sail/anchor from 2300hrs to 0500hrs.

Terminals still working in reduced team.

The prohibition of the docking of passenger ships of more than 30 m in the main port of Dégrad-des-cannes.

07 April 2020 SAPIC, Caribbean Marine, Colombia   With respect to other means of transport, it is indicated that the public service of land, cable, river and sea passenger transport, postal services and parcel distribution must be guaranteed in the national territory, which are strictly necessary to prevent, mitigate and attend to the health emergency due to the coronavirus COVID-19.

It is highlighted that among the exceptions established in the Decree, the activities of the ports of public and private service are exclusively for cargo transportation. Free Pratique will be subject to Sanitation officer’s approval .

Health declaration is requested and must be sent on daily basis and three (3) hours before ship’s arrival.

No cruise vessel are allowed.

No shore leave.

The local agent at some ports are only allowed to board during clearing of vessel and carry out the key meeting, further assistance by agent will continue in a remote way.

07 April 2020 Pandiman Philippines Inc, Del Rosario, SPICA Services, GAC, Philippines   The Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon has been extended until 30 April 2020 to prevent the spread of coronavirus infections and further enhance the capacity of the country’s health facilities. The ECQ was  implementation of strict home quarantine, suspension of work in both the government and private sectors and as well as suspension of public transportation.
07 April 2020 Transport Canada, Canada Ship Safety Bulletin Transport Canada issued a bulletin concerning the mobility of asymptomatic workers in the shipping sector.
07 April 2020 Caribbean Marine, Bonaire   Passengers ships calls are temporarily suspended.

Cargo-, repair-, bunker-, load/discharge calls remain possible as normal. Off port attendance to remain as normal (exception: crew changes).

All ports in Bonaire are open as normal.

07 April 2020 Bahamas Emergency Powers (COVID 19) (NO. 2) Order, 2020 No visitor shall be permitted to enter and disembark for any reason including transiting through The Bahamas.

All sea ports shall be closed to regional and international seafaring and private boating.

Air and sea restrictions do not apply to: cargo flights or cargo ships, commercial courier flights, emergency medical flights or emergency flights approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.

07 April 2020 Caribbean Marine, Aruba Cargo, repair, bunker, load/discharge calls remain possible as normal. Offshore attendance continues as normal (exception: crew changes).

All ports in Aruba are open as normal.

07 April 2020 Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L, Marine Risk & Insurance Solutions, Argentina The following documentation is needed, concerning the pre arrival requirements, which has to be sent prior vessels arrival holding yellow flag, otherwise Free pratique will not be granted.
  • Copy of Medical Log book
  • Register of body temperature to all crew and passengers if any.
  • Crew change movements as from 01/12/2019.
  • MHSD (Medical Health Ship Declaration)
  • Individual Health Declaration form & questionnaires form

In case any crewmember or passengers present any sickness symptoms, free pratique will not be granted and vessel must comply the quarantine.

Migration authorities have cancelled all temporary and working VISA for all citizens coming from affected area, i.e. China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Europe, USA, Brazil and Chile (these two countries just recently added….).

Foreign Citizens (Non-residents) will not be allowed to enter the country for the next 15 days, so far.

In addition they have made the following exceptions always provided that said individuals don’t show any signs of the virus and comply with further recommendation/instructions from National Sanitary authorities:

  • people affected to the transportation of goods/commodities through Air, ground and Sea.
  • crewmembers
  • people related to flight operations and sanitary transfers

Ports in Brazil & Chile are considered as affected areas with exponential risks to spread COVID-19.
This will cause delays/logistic changes in line-ups/commercial drawbacks depending on vessels’ last known port of departure prior to entering Argentine jurisdiction.

Argentina is under a mandatory social isolation / quarantine which will be in place, in principle, until 13th April 2020 (after being extended from its original ending date).

It is expected that after 13 April restrictions will continue in place and would be lifted gradually, depending on the developments of the spread.

The Government has considered that those activities which are urgent to enable international trade are exempted, therefore, ports and ships are operating.

In principle, all ships calling Argentine ports must present specific pre-arrival information (72 hours before arriving) including the last 10 ports called, crew changes, ship’s medical book, crew/passenger temperature records among others.

Ships which have called one of the areas considered specially affected by the outbreak (EU Members, Schengen Members, UK and North Ireland, USA, Korea, Japan, Iran, Chile and Brazil) would be subject to physical health inspection at Recalada Pilot Station (outer River Plate) by Coast Guards on behalf of health authorities. If the pre-arrival documentation on any ship, and the physical inspection for those calling from the “affected areas” do not reveal any Covid-19 case, or suspected case, the ship would in principle authorize to receive Pilots and proceed to port, where additional health inspections may take place. Otherwise the ship will be quarantined at the disposal of Health Authorities.

Necochea, Bahia Blanca, San Nicolas, Campana, Zarate, Rosario and San Lorenzo and other nearby ports may have the same tendency have been affected by different players, such as unions, professional associations or locally-based authorities which request for any ship calling an “affected area” to have at least 14 days transit time since they departed from the last port. This would normally affect ships calling from Brazil – and Chile at some extent (due to short transit time).

Borders remain closed and there virtually no commercial flights. Therefore, crew changes or repatriations are not normally possible.

Surveyors’ attendance on board would be subject to the particular circumstances of the case, and the possibility for them to attend at port or on board may be limited. Not only due to the risk of contracting the virus, but also because the isolation is mandatory and its breach is being prosecuted criminally by our authorities.

Courts and Administrative entities have entered into an extraordinary recess during the mandatory isolation. No activity is taking place thereon unless urgent and unavoidable.8 April: The port of Bahia Blanca is currently operating with no restrictions on LPG vessels or on vessels which have been at sea longer than 14 days and haven’t called at affected areas.

06 April 2020 GAC, USA – Georgia  
  • All cruise vessel calls to Georgian ports have been halted.
  • Ships calling at Georgian ports shall, at least 24 hours before arrival, submit Maritime Health Declaration with annexes.
  • If as ship, her crew or passengers entered countries consider High Risk within the last 21 days they will be subject to thermal screening.
  • The ship Master is also responsible for observing the further health of crew and passengers while alongside, at anchorage points or waiting areas and must communicate any suspicious cases to the
  • Harbour Master and appropriate authorities without undue delay.
  • If submitted documents or screening show the existence of COVID-19 on board, all possible contacts will be restricted with the subject vessel.
  • Pilots must use personal safety equipment when going onboard, including mask, single use gloves and safety glasses.
  • All crew are requested to put on masks and PPE to prevent the spread of virus before meeting pilots embarking on the weather dock. The Bridge team must also wear masks during pilotage.
06 April 2020 Ince, Sweden   The Swedish Transport Agency issued an update, with key points:

Decision to temporary restrict non-essential travel to Sweden from countries outside of the European Union

Ships calling at Swedish ports:

Regular routines/procedures are in place and still appropriate.

If a ship, arriving to a Swedish port from a foreign port, is carrying or suspects it is carrying an infectious disease onboard, a declaration on the state of health onboard (corresponding to the Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH)) shall be submitted to the relevant authorities (Swedish Coast Guard (Kustbevakningen) or the Swedish Customs (Tullverket)).

Such a declaration, containing three general questions on the health status onboard, is to be fulfilled in the Swedish Maritime Single Window (MSW) together with other reporting formalities for ships before entry into port.

06 April 2020 Aus Ship P&I, Australia Update 1 Addendum to Circular 31 January 2020 All States and Territories have differing regimes  regarding crew changes.  However, as of 6 April, the following will apply in Western Australia:
  • When a ship (commercial or passenger) arrives at a Western Australia Port from an overseas location where they have transited international waters they are required to enter quarantine for 14 days if they disembark the ship.
  • Disembarkation occurs when the person leaves the area under control of the Australian Border Force (ABF). They may remain on the dock to facilitate the preparation of the ship for further sea operations.
  • When they leave the area of the dock surrounding the ship they are deemed to have disembarked and come within the State Emergency Declaration at which point they are required to quarantine for 14 days.
  • If they have not been at sea for 14 days since their last port of departure they are not allowed to disembark the ship without entering into quarantine for 14 days.

Exception

If the voyage has been of a duration of 14 days or more since the last port of departure from an international destination and there is a crew change:

  • An Authorised Person (Police /ABF) can provide a direction to the crew member to proceed to the nearest airport and depart immediately. (crew change / return to home)
  • The crew member must have a ticket and travel directly to the airport.
  • They are not to stop at any other locations and must follow all directions provided thereafter.
06 April 2020 Algeria Port of Annaba issued a circular informing that a curfew implemented has amended from 15:00 to 07:00 for Bejaia, Oran and Algiers.
03 April 2020 IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.7 IMO issued a guidance concerning the newbuild bulk carriers and oil tankers that were scheduled for delivery before 1st July 2020. Specifically, the guidance is particularly relevant to shipbuilders, equipment suppliers, shipowners, surveyors and service engineers.
03 April 2020 Group 3A Trading Co. Ltd. , ETIC SAS AFRICA  P&I  Services, Madagascar The Health State of Emergency remains in place in Madagascar for 15 additional days.

Only cargo ships are allowed to call in Toamasina Port. The port of Toamasina is open 24h/24h and Dockers involved in night shift should join the port before 20:00.

The following restrictions should be respected when calling in Toamasina (Common restrictions for all ports in the country):

The Port Authority applies 14-day quarantine as possible, depending on Health Safety Assessment of all ship’s submitted health documents.

For ship berthed less than 14-day quarantine. Surveyor can board ship but not allowed to enter into castle. All physical exchange of documents is prohibited but should be done by emails. For ship which has completed the 14-day quarantine, physical exchange of documents is allowed.

Tankers and containers with less than 10-day travel from last port are exempted from 14-day quarantine if their health safety assessment are considered as Good.

  • Measures taken by the port will be applied such as:
  • No shore leave
  • No contact with shore personal,
  • Wearing mask / gloves / glasses from crew side is compulsory when crew members have to go out on deck
    All documents exchange is carried out by email to avoid contact
  • 2 meters distance must be kept in case involved crew members have to work on deck.
  • Ships that have completed more than 10-day travel will berth only at 15th day from last port (to comply with corona quarantine)
  • Crew and safety embarked team displacement are not accepted.
  • Disembarking is not allowed.
  • No landing of persons is authorized.
03 April 2020 Mutual Marine Services Al Mushtaraka Ltd, Sudan The Directorate of Health Quarantine have advised that when a ship arrives at Port Sudan, if the voyage has taken 14 days or longer, the vessel can berth on arrival. If less than 14 days, as we understand, the vessel will have to wait at the anchorage until the 14 day period is reached.
The above does not apply to ships that arrive at Port Sudan via the Suez Canal, in which case all these ships must wait at the anchorage for 14 days.
All ships on arrival will be boarded by the Port Health to check the crew as necessary.
03 April 2020 Protection & Indemnity Clubs SA, Ecuador Terminals are working 24/7 as usual although the response for vessel´s requests / operations are a bit delayed (if they took 24 hours to attend, now it could take 48 hours due to the restrictions imposed by government that affects mobilization of people, shortage in personnel (some are infected, others isolated).

people on board should disembark only for essential things, using mask and gloves

the authorities in charge of receiving the ships are not attending in person, but doing the diligence electronically or by phone, in order to minimize the amount of people that are obliged to go on board.

03 April 2020 GAC, El Salvador Port operations in El Salvador continue normal operations, with restrictions, despite the country being under quarantine and the airport being closed due to COVID-19.
03 April 2020 Kalimbassieris Maritime, MESCO, Eldib Advocates, EMCO Group,  Suez Canal All vessels arriving for Suez Canal Transit and/or entering Egyptian Ports will be subject to the examination by the Medical Quarantine. Special attention will be given to those vessels coming from Chinese ports and/or any other hot spots.

Vessels calling Egyptian waters to provide the following documents, together with relevant entrance application, prior to the vessel’s entry and berthing at the port:

  • Crew list
  • Passenger list (tourism)
  • Last 10 port of call list
  • Narcotics list
  • Maritime declaration of health
  • Vaccination list

All agents have been instructed to notify the health authorities if there is any intention to sign on or sign off of any crew in the ports of Alexandria, Dekheila or Abu Qir in relation to any crew from the following countries :

  1. China,
  2. Taiwan,
  3. Japan
  4. Malaysia
  5. Vietnam,
  6. South Korea,
  7. Singapore,
  8. Iran,
  9. Italy,
  10. Kuwait,
  11. Bahrain,
  12. Germany,
  13. France,
  14. Switzerland,
  15. Spain,
  16. Thailand.
02 April 2020 South Africa   the South African Maritime Safety Authority, on behalf of the Department of Transport, informs all stakeholders that:
  • All South African ports remain open for port operations
  • Cargo operations will continue in all ports.
  • Stevedore operations will continue in all ports
  • All types of cargo will be allowed to be loaded and off loaded.
02 April 2020 Spica Services Indonesia, Indonesia   Crew changes in Indonesia are permitted for Indonesian crews (WNI) only after implemented the Health Protocol of Covid-19 Handling.

Foreign crews may not go ashore during ship’s activities in the port area.

Foreign crew changes are not allowed in Indonesian Ports, but during the outbreak of Covid-19 can be done at the specified anchorage area.

If a medical/health emergency occurs for foreign crews when the ship in the port area, they could be taken ashore once permission is granted by the Covid-19 Task Force in each area after implementing the Health Protocol of Covid-19 Handling.

During the Covid-19 outbreak, foreign vessels (cargo ships, passenger ships and cruise ships) that apply for permission to disembark crews, bunker, fresh water and provision supplies will be provided shelter for ship-to-ship (STS) and lay-up at the designated area, i.e. Nipah Island, Tanjung Balai Karimun and Galang Island by fulfilling the terms and requirements of arrival the foreign ship in accordance with laws and regulations.

02 April 2020 Madagascar   Ports are open for cargo and tanker oil ships, but with a firm restriction on entry formalities and during the stay in port according to the official instructions from the government and Harbour Master’s notes (compliance with the 14-days quarantine and stay at the anchorage outside harbour area before berthing).
  • Passenger ships are not allowed.
  • The pilot can only board the vessel after the 14 days of quarantine.
  • All seafarers are not authorized to go ashore during the vessel’s call.
  • All exchanges of formality documents and instructions are made by e-mail or by VHF.
02 April 2020 Oasis P&I, China   Oasis P&I advise on Chinese crew change requirements, setting out the procedures. As such:

Embarking crewmembers

  • The ship owner needs to declare the embarking crewmember’s health condition in the past 14 days to the local authorities where the crew change is going to take place and submit a Health Record Form together with the application.
  • If the application is approved, then the ship owner can proceed and arrange embarkation.
  • If the travel from the crewmember’s living place to the ship is all in low risk areas, they can embark the vessel directly; otherwise they may need to be quarantined at the port for observation.

Disembarking crewmembers

  • The ship owner also needs to submit a Health Record Form to the local authorities for any disembarking crewmembers together with the application.
  • If the crewmember is reported to be in good health condition and health authorities’ boarding inspection confirms so:

a) in case 14 days have elapsed since the ship departed the last foreign port, they can disembark the vessel without restriction or isolation.

b) in case it has been less than 14 days, the crewmember should be quarantined upon disembarkation until 14 days have elapsed since the ship departed the last foreign port, either at home or at a designated place for observation in line with requirement of the local authorities.

  • If the crewmember shows any suspected symptoms, then the crew change should be suspended immediately, and virus prevention and control protocols shall be followed.
  • If the crewmember is found to be asymptomatically infected, the prevailing protocol made by the relevant authorities shall be followed.

Apart from the above Chinese crew change procedures, promulgated in recent notices, MOT will continue to suspend crew changes of foreign national crew members on foreign flagged ships in Chinese ports.

It is advised to strictly forbid internationally trading cargo ships which are carrying people onboard, other than its crew, from entering into Chinese ports. Before entering into Chinese waters, following departure from a foreign port of call, the master should submit a statement to local maritime authorities at the port of destination to confirm that the ship is not carrying any person other than its crew.

02 April 2020 Spark International,Ins-Ship Aide Ltd, Wilhelmsen Ship Agency, Hyopsung Surveyors & Adjusters Corporation, Korea   All foreigners visiting Korea will be required to go through a mandatory 14 day quarantine.

Upon arrival, COVID-19 test will be carried out on the individual and thereafter, he/she will be taken to a government quarantine facility.  Although the cost of COVID-19 test and treatment are covered by the Korean government, the individual will have to pay the usage charge of the quarantine facility.

For vessel and crew, a different standard is applied:

  • Vessels arriving in Korea post 14 days since departure from last port (regardless of country): Entry for vessel and crew is as same as prior to COVID-19 situation.  Enhanced screening is not conducted on the vessel and 14 day quarantine is not required for the crew.

Vessels arriving in Korea within 14 days since departure from last port (regardless of country):

  • Enhanced screening measure conducted with National Quarantine Station officers boarding the vessel to check the body temperatures of each crew along with handing out ‘Health Questionnaire’ and ‘Travel Record Declaration’ to be submitted by each crew member.
  • Cargo operation is only allowed after the quarantine certificate is issued by the National Quarantine Station Officer.
  • For crew to disembark or to enter Korea, he/she must be in possession of a working personal smart phone and must install the government specified ‘Self-diagnosis Application’ on the phone.  14 day quarantine is not required for the crew.
02 April 2020 India Ministry of Shipping Ministry of Shipping Directive to Major Ports Ministry of Shipping, GOI Guidelines/Order to Major Ports on Exemptions/Remission on penalties etc and Issue Relating to Force Majeure under Section 111 of the Major Port Trusts Act 1963 dated 31 March 2020.
02 April 2020 Bose & Mitra & Co, India DGS Order 08 of 2020 Advisory on non-charging of any demurrage, ground rent beyond the allowed free period or any performance related penalty on non-containerized cargo during the period of effect of COVID-19 pandemic dated 31 March 2020.
02 April 2020 Ghana Ghana has been in lockdown from 29 March.

From April 1st, te ports are open and currently operational with strict security measures in place (such as port’s health boarding vessels from affected areas for first-hand checks prior berthing). Stevedores are available for the time being.

Suspected vessel’s crewmembers are quarantined at anchorage for double checks. Embarkation and disembarkation of crew is prevented as Immigration refuse to issue transit visas.

Disinfection and cleaning services at ports are currently operating.

From 2 April: Only vessels carrying fuels, foodstuffs, medicines are permitted at the port of Tema. At Takoradi, operations are continuing as normal

02 April 2020 JRR Abogados, Chile As North P&I informs, JRR Abogados advise of recent transitory measure implemented by Customs through its Resolution 1179, whereby it has authorised electronic exchanges and amendments to bills of lading.

There are several greys areas regarding its interpretation and practical implementation, including with regard to potential delivery of cargo without surrender of the original bill of lading.

01 April 2020 Metropole Maritime and Trading Ltd Co, Kalimbassieris Maritime, GAC, Turkey From 22 March: Turkey has added Libya, Qatar and Russia to its list of ‘restricted countries’ in terms of COVID-19, bringing the total number to date to 71.

All husbandry services have been suspended at the Tupras Terminals at Tutunciftlik and Aliaga until further notice, due to the outbreak of Covid-19.

Due to congestion at sanitary inspection in the Izmit region, customs control will not performed between the hours of 00:01 to 08:00 local time. Depending on terminal programmes, vessels can drop anchor at the Izmit anchorage area or berth at terminals upon arrival. However, if they arrive between 00:01 LT and 08:00, they will have to wait until 08:00 for customs control.

28 March: all crew changes and attendance of technicians/visitors in the Turkish Straits have been suspended until further notice. Only stores spares can be delivered without any contact between vessel and agency boats.

31 March: All vessels calling at Derince Safi Terminal must be disinfected. The tariff for this compulsory disinfection will be as follows, charged to each vessel until further instructions:

0-5,000 GT: USD 500
5,001-10,000 GT: USD 700
10,001-15,000 GT: USD 1,000
15,001 GT and above: USD 1,500

01 April 2020 India North Club reports that the following 44 Indian ports have all declared ‘Force Majeure’ to ensure that unforeseen delays in the delivery of cargoes and other port-related services do not affect their commercial contracts with port users:

All 44 ports under Gujarat Maritime Board, Kakinada Anchorage Port, Kolkata, Haldia, Paradip, Paradip International Cargo Terminal, Kawar Port, Dhamra, Karaikal, Gopalpur, Gangavaram, Krishnapatnam, Kandla, Kandla International Container Terminal , Adani Ports at Mundra, Tuna, Hazira and Dahej, Angre, the JSW and JSWIL ports at Goa, APM terminals at JN port (Nhava Sheva).

 

01 April 2020  D.R Congo ETIC SAS AFRICA  P&I  Services, McLeans – WAMS Ports are open to container ships and general cargo ships but are closed to passenger’s vessel. 

Ports (Matadi, Boma and Banana) are operational as usual with precaution against contamination of the COVID-19. For the time being, there is no lack of stevedores. They are working 24/7.

Concerning crew:

  • With the closure of borders, crew change or repatriation is prevented until further notice.
  • Crew members have to fill in forms on their itinerary.
  • Crew members suspected will be transferred at special hospital for additional medical analysis by health professionals.
  • Crew members tested positive will be retained for appropriate care.
  • Crew members have to remain on board during the stay of the vessel alongside only in case of sickness.
01 April 2020 AqualisBraemar, Canada The marine organisation advised that Canadian ports remain open.
  • The Canadian government has confirmed the importance of the shipping industry as vital to the economy by keeping ports open and facilitating shipping activity. There are, however, precautions which must be taken.
  • Access to shore leave for Canadian and foreign seafarers is maintained without restriction.
    Drydock and repair facilities are working on reduced manning / split shifts to enable social distancing. Most remain open, but delays in repair and construction work are expected.
01 April 2020 IMO Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Preliminary list of recommendations for Governments and relevant national authorities on the facilitation of maritime trade during the COVID-19 pandemic IMO has advised that as governments around the world are implementing policies and measures to protect public health and address COVID-19, it is important that these are developed without the introduction of obstacles to ship and port operations.
31 March 2020 Senegal   No official lockdown has been implemented. The country has enforced a curfew from 20.00 hrs LT to 06.00 hrs LT, period during which anyone should stay at home, port workers included. Port activities are also subject to exemptions and yet, the activities at the port out of this period of time remain quite restricted.

The Port of Dakar is opened with very limited activity. Vessels are subjected to quarantine until free pratique is granted for entering the port and berthing. There is a shortage of stevedores.

Crew members are confined onboard and no movement is allowed as all borders – including maritime – are closed.

Disinfection and cleaning services are available at the port.

30 March 2020 Paris MoU   Paris MoU has developed temporary guidance for its Member Authorities during the COVID-19 crisis. The guidance recognises that there is a need to apply flexibility under these special circumstances.
30 March 2020 MPA Singapore, Singapore Crew change for cargo ships under special circumstances in the Port of Singapore, to minise risk of community spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Singapore This circular provides circumstances where crew will need to disembark or embark the ship.
30 March 2020 USCG COVID-19 – Guidance for Maritime Operators on Compliance with Federal Drug Testing Requirements USCG has issued new guidance to address all challenges facing employers to conduct mandatory drug testing during the COVID-19 pandemic response.
27 March 2020 UK Maritime Pilots’ Association, UK Pilotage Operations during COVID-19 Before boarding a vessel, the DfT advise that crew should be asked if they have a new, continuous cough or a high temperature. It is recommended that individual pilots should undertake this
themselves by VHF prior to boarding. If there is any doubt, boarding should be delayed.
27 March 2020 UK Maritime Pilots’ Association, UK Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) – Strategy for Maintaining Pilotage Operations Pilots should be vigilant and observe the highest precautions with their own health and to minimise exposure
whilst on board. This will include, no physical contact with crewmembers, observing a 2 metre distance separation whilst on board and only having essential crewmembers in the wheelhouse during the Act of Pilotage. The acceptance of food or drink whilst on board should be avoided.
19 March 2020 Samer & Misa, Albania   From 10 March 2020 Albania is officially in the list of affected countries with COVID-19. Up to now there are detected 584 cases with COVID-19 in Albania. The majority of cases are detected in Tirana (capital of the country). There are few cases detected in Durres city but up to now no reported cases are within the staff /employees of Durres Port Authority and/or other service providers acting in the port area.

Restrictive measures, similar to those of other countries, are being imposed from the government. From 18:00 hrs to 06:00 hrs and from 10:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs there is movement curfew, and no one can be outside in the city (unless there are justifiable reasons) however the activity in the port (loading, discharging, formalities etc. are continuing as usually 24 hours).

It is stated that cargo ships can be operated normally. For all the vessels that come to port the crew is not allowed to go out to shore and no embarking or disembarking of crew is possible.

Actually in Durres port the cargo vessels continuing the normal operations. During this period usually only the ship agent (and the doctor) comes onboard to take the documents for the free pratique but as I said the crew is not allowed to go out ashore.

At East Terminal (where the vessel is supposed to be berthed for discharging petcock) the commercial activity continuing normally. Considering the situation to date we believe that the members may bring the vessel normally at Durres port.

19 March 2020 ANTARICA GROUP, Axis Ltd, GAC, PANDI Services East, Russia For the guidelines click here. Following the majority of the countries worldwide, Russia issued guidelines on how its shipping sector is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
19 March 2020 McLeans, Moroco   Passenger traffic is suspended to /from Italy, Spain and France since last week. 

For cargo ships up to now there is no general restrictions or quarantine however preventive measures have been implemented as per a note n° 7/2020 from Ministry of Equipment Transport & Logistic dated 14/03/2020 attached herewith (although in French).

Vessels shall remain at anchorage time for health authority entitled to deliver free pratique to evaluate the risks and fix the preventive measures to take for persons accessing the ship, in accord with port authorities;

After berthing no physical contact should be made with people from shore and crew members are not authorized to land excepted extreme urgency case and under the control of health authorities;
Pilot must be equipped with FFP2 mask and gloves when meeting the Master and crew who should also wear protection equipment;

The agent is the unique interface with the Master. He shall access on board after  withdrawal of crew members from gangway;

Official documents should be placed under plastic film and should be disinfected prior being remitted to authorities;

Local security committees may take additional measures in case of exceptional situation not anticipated in this note.

At Casablanca Port authority (ANP) issued a note on 16/03/2020 to the various stevedore companies referring to the note n° 7/2020 from Ministry of Equipment Transport & Logistic dated 14/03/2020 above and implementing additional preventive measures  such as:

  • Require for stevedore staff who has to board the vessel the use of protection equipment (gloves, bib, antiseptic solution)
  • Forbid any person acting as service supplier the board ships. Watchmen should exert their watch from shore; regarding collect of waste waters or oily waters the connection of hoses on vessel side must be done by the crew, solid wastes shall  be collected on shore
  • Require to raise the gangway after completion of administrative formalities.

As regard the surveyors access to Moroccan ports and ships although we have not been provided with official information in that respect for the time being there are no restrictions however surveyors should stay on board the minimum time necessary to perform their survey / investigation.

Situation in courts – The Ministry of Justice ordered on 16/03/2020 p.m. the suspension until further notice of the activity in Moroccan courts. Only the hearings in way of emergency proceedings and those in relation to criminal pending matters are maintained. Thus the pending cases before commercial courts are suspended as well as the introduction of new proceedings.

18 March 2020 IMO Circular Letter No.4221 The International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued a circular including guidance from China on the prevention and control of COVID-19 on board.
18 – 17 March 2020 Kalimbassieris Maritime, MESCO, Eldib Advocates, EMCO Group, Egypt For the guidelines click here. Egypt issued guidelines concerning the coronavirus pandemic, providing information and news on the port developments and guidelines that have been implemented.
18  March 2020 USCG Marine Safety Information Bulletin 07-20 The US Coast Guard issued an updated marine safety bulletin concerning the COVID-19, focusing on the efficient implementation of port and facility operations.
18  March 2020 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Maritime Administration, St. Vincent and the Grenadines COVID-19 advice from maritime administration St. Vincent and the Grenadines Maritime Administration expressed that the COVID-19 pandemic could be a force majeure situation; Therefore, they issued guidelines to assist shipping owners, operators and recognized organizations on matters such as audits and seafarers certification.
17 March 2020 Transport Malta, Malta Merchant Shipping Notice 158 Transport Malta issues advice concerning the potential extension of sea service that may affect seafarers and the extension of validity of seafarers’ certificates.
17 March 2020 IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.5 The guidance refers to all stakeholders advising the extension of seafarers’ certificates.
17 March 2020 Australian Border Forces, Australia Australian Border Forces announcement The Australian Government announced that all persons entering Australia from 0001 AEDST 16 March 2020 must undertake a precautionary self-isolation period for up to 14 days upon entry to Australia, applying to vessels, as well.
16 March 2020 MPA Singapore, Singapore Port marine circular 13 The Maritime Port Authority of Singapore issued an additional update concerning the mitigation of the COVID-19 spread, expanding its border restrictions.
16 March 2020 IBIA IBIA offers protective measures against COVID-19  IBIA offers advice to mitigate the risk of infection during bunkering operations.
13 March 2020 MPA Singapore, Singapore Port Marine Circular 11 Crew/passengers onboard all arriving vessels that have called at ports in mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days shall remain onboard the vessels.

Crew/passengers with recent travel history to mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days onboard all arriving vessels shall remain onboard during the vessels’ stay in port.

With immediate effect, Singapore will cease port calls for all cruise vessels.

 

13 March 2020 MPA Singapore, Singapore Port Marine Circular 10 Supersedes Circular 08 of 2020.

National Environment Agency’s (Port Health Office)  requirements to submit the compulsory Maritime Declaration of Health to the Port Health Office which are applicable for:

All arriving vessels with crew/passengers with recent travel history to mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days; or
All arriving vessels that have called at ports in mainland China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, and Spain in the past 14 days.

13 March 2020 Pinto Basto, Portugal   Portuguese Government issue a statement informing that all passenger vessels will not be authorized to disembark any guests/crewmembers/staff. Licenses to go ashore also will not be granted.

Exception is made to Portuguese Citizens living in Portugal wishing to debark at our ports.

Cruise vessels still may call Portuguese ports and to carry on provisions, fresh water and other supplies, as well as to perform bunkering operations.

This containment measure will soon be in force and will be re-evaluated on 9 April.

13 March 2020 Pandiman Philippines Inc, Philippines Pandiman ALON Circular PANDIMAN PHILIPPINES Inc., P&I Correspondent in the Philippines informs that the Philippine health authorities have declared a Code Red sublevel 2 status in the country.

The government has now declared the whole of Metro Manila under a state of community quarantine starting 15 March 2020 until 14 April 2020.  During this period, land, domestic air and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila will be suspended, schools will be closed, government work in the executive department will be suspended (but will have skeletal force; likely to be adopted by the judicial department) and flexible working arrangements are encouraged to be adopted in the private sector.  While the agencies of the government are expected to provide guidelines on the implementation of the community quarantine, the situation will be assessed on a day-to-day basis.

In addition, there are separate requirements for cruise ships and cargo vessels, including cruise ships and cargo ships.

13 March 2020 Alejandro Vega, Argentina   Although the Argentinian Health Authorities have declared Argentina as a low-risk country, they have implemented effective as from 31 January, the obligation to include copies of the last 48 hours of ship’s medical logbook when requesting “free pratique” prior to ship’s arrival.

The Health Authority has also recommended to anyone to notify to National Boarded Authorities immediately if there is any suspicion that any crewmember or passenger on international voyages may have an infectious disease or any similar symptoms of the Coronavirus 2019-nCoV.

In those cases, the sanitary officers will provide the corresponding instructions however the people suspected must be isolated (on a cabin on board or a hotel at shore) and wait for instructions.
So far there are no restrictions for travelling or to trade.

As per new resolution issued by the Argentinian government, all transit, working & temporary visa applications from the following countries have been cancelled until further notice due to the outbreak of the COVID-19:

  • People Republic of China
  • Republic of Korea (South Korea)
  • Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Japan
  • United States of America
  • United Kingdom
  • EU countries

The Argentinian Consulates located on those countries will not issue any working/transit and, specially, crew visas.

11 March 2020 Republic of Cyprus, Shipping Deputy Ministry, Cyprus Circular No. 05/2020 Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry issued a new circular, providing updates on precautions to minimize the disease’s risks concerning seafarers, passengers and others onboard ships.
10 March 2020 O.F. Gollcher & Sons Ltd, Malta   As North Club reports, the Malta Freeport issued the following circular to ship agents at Malta on the 24th February 2020:

In view of the present situation evolving globally regarding the Coronavirus, as a precautionary measure Malta Freeport Terminals will be prohibiting with immediate effect the disembarkation of crew members from any vessel calling at Malta Freeport. The vessel crew is also required to self-isolate when possible. Furthermore with respect to ongoing operations, crew members must practice general infection and prevention advice when interacting with shore personnel and agency staff embarking the vessel. Such measures include social distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory protection in the form of masks. Crew members will only be allowed to disembark the vessel if they have been granted permission by the relevant authorities.

On 9 March, the following was sent by the Authorities in Malta to all service providers, ship agents and bunkering operators at Malta in respect of services provided outside Maltese territorial waters:

  • Port Health & TM Port Operations are to be provided with a pre departure notification, the latter to include details of operation (name of ship, scope of services)
  • Additional documentation to be forwarded together with pre departure notification:Maritime Declaration of Health of the ship requesting the service
  • Ports of call during the last 2 weeks of the ship
  • A clean health bill for any crew disembarkation, as long as they are not coming from any Covid-19 affected countries
  • Location for disembarkation of crew to be identified in advance.  Disembarking crew together with service launch/bunker barge crew are to be screened upon arrival by Port Health staff.

It is added that “Clearance outwards will only be granted following a written authorisation by Port health.

10 March 2020 Spica Services Indonesia, Indonesia   The Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation (Seacom) informed that they are increasing surveillance of ships and their cargo from China that enter ports in Indonesia to anticipate the presence of the COVID-19.

It is therefore stated that

  • Every ship that enters Indonesia directly from China to be anchored in the quarantine zone for rigorous inspection by Port Health Office (KKP) officers.
  • Every ship is mandated to attach a voyage memo including the last 10 ports of call, when reporting the arrival of the ship to the KKP office at the port and if based on the last port the ship had stopped in China will be subject to strict inspection.
  • Quarantine period is 14 days starting from ship departure from China.

The Directorate General of Sea Transportation and KKP also informed about the installation of a thermal scanner to detect the increase in the body temperature of passengers installed in the arrival area at the port that serves international routes.

Any suspect who has contracted the corona virus, medical treatment and treatment will be carried out specifically according to the Standards and Procedures (SOPs) issued by the CTF.

09 March 2020 USCG, US Marine Safety Information Bulletin Following the COVID-19 outbreak, which now affects US states, The USCG issued an updated advisory to prevent the spread of the disease.
07 March 2020 Wilhelmsen agency, Korea   All vessels sailed out from Chinese port or have called any Chinese port for the past 14 days requires onboard quarantine inspection. Free pratique will only be granted after passing the inspection.

The following crew/passenger are restricted to enter KoreaAll Chinese seafarers with passport issued in Hubei province is prohibited to enter Korea

  • All valid Korean visa issued in Hubei province has temporarily lost its effect until further notice.
  • All foreigners that have visited Hubei province in the past 14 days is prohibited to enter Korea.
  • All foreigners transit without visa to Jeju Island in Korea has temporarily lost its effect
  • All crews (Chinese, Filipino, Indian) who intend to join/disembark to/from the vessel in Korea are allowed to enter Korea require a VISA.
  • Transit passengers without a VISA for Chinese and foreigners from China will not be allowed.
  • Hong Kong and Macau are now designated as countries affected by Coronavirus. Fever monitoring of all crew and crew members of vessels arriving from Hong Kong and Macau and a concentrated quarantine inspection for all crews and passengers will be conducted.
07 March 2020 Ins-Ship Aide Ltd, Korea   Generally, any delay or any problem from all open ports has not been lodged/reported yet.
  • The quarantine inspection is getting strong and tight for all vessels, and particularly for the vessels coming from the Chinese ports.
  • The quarantine officers are checking the body temperature to all crew members and all visitors.
  • In case of Pohang, the cargo operation was limited only to 0300 hours rather than 24 hours operation.
  • At the one of Korean inland cities, Daegu, the COVID19 is getting worse, but at the other Korean areas it is not bad with COVID19.
  • At the open and sea area, it is so safe from COVID19 and we are taking the mask in the room, office, bus, train and small/short space.

 

07 March 2020 Wilhelmsen Ship Agency, Israel   Vessels that have visited Chinese ports in last 15 days before arriving to Israel cannot enter Israel.
  • Each vessel must sent report to Ministry of Health of Israel before her arrival to Israeli port, stating that all crew and passengers are healthy and that the vessel didn’t visit China in the last 15 days.
  • The report must be approved by the Ministry of Health before her arrival to Israel. Without the approval, vessel cannot enter Israel.
  • Foreign travellers who visited in China in the last 15 days is not allowed to enter Israel
  • Foreign travellers who have the symptoms of the virus (fever, cough or shortness of breath) is not allowed to enter Israel, regardless how many days passed.

Haifa Port:

  • Vessels that arrive at the port and do not have people coming from countries for which the Ministry of Health has issued an alert (as of 2-Mar-2020) China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Macau, South Korea, Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Austria – the ship can enter the port.

If on the vessel there are people that in the past 14 days, or the vessel has been in a port in the past 14 days, in one of the countries listed above, the vessel shall enter the port with the following restrictions:

  • Avoiding contact with the crew as much as possible.
  • The crew will be refused to enter the country, e.g. a complete prohibition on disembarking.
  • All workers (port and not-port workers) who board the vessel must have personal protective equipment which includes: Mouth/nose mask according to Ministry of Health spec. Gloves according to Ministry of Health spec.
05 March 2020 International Chamber of Shipping Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for Ship Operators for the
Protection of the Health of Seafarers
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) published new guidance for the shipping industry to assist combat the spread of the Coronavirus, including among several measures, advice on managing Port Entry Restrictions, practical Protective Measures Against COVID-19 for Seafarers, including an Outbreak Management Plan.
04 March 2020 Turkey, Metropole Maritime and Trading Ltd Co, Turkey Circular The Turkish General Directorate of Health for Borders and Coasts have advised that vessels will not be able to call Turkey for 14 days following a call from a “contaminated country” regardless of city / port.
04 March 2020 Cayman Maritime, Cayman Islands Guidance 02/3030 The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR) published several guidelines, including a non- exhaustive list of scenarios and provided instructions for owners and managers who face such challenging issues due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
04 March 2020 Sengal, Ivory P&I, Dakar   All vessels scheduled to call Dakar Port will now have send by email to the port authority ([email protected]) and the Health department (Sea border health control) ([email protected]), latest 72 hours prior to arrival the following documents:
  • The list of the 10 previous port of call
  • The maritime health declaration
  • The crew list clearly stressing the date and port where each crew member boarded the vessel
04 March 2020 MPA Singapore, Singapore Circular No. 09 of 2020 The Authority announced the extension of precautionary measures to minimize the risk of community spread of the COVID-19 in Singapore.
04 March 2020 Samer & Co. Shipping, Italy   There are no limitations for vessels entering the ports of Trieste and Monfalcone.

The Trieste and Monfalcone Port Authority have issued a note dated 24 February 2020 which provides advice for vessels.

In case of coronavirus the vessel will remain at roads and the infected person will be disembarked by means of Harbour Master’s launch boat with health assistance on board.

Agents will board the vessels with masks and/or protectives suits.

25 February O.F. Gollcher & Sons Ltd, Malta   The Malta Freeport issued the following circular to ship agents at Malta on the 24th February 2020

In view of the present situation evolving globally regarding the Coronavirus, as a precautionary measure Malta Freeport Terminals will be prohibiting with immediate effect the disembarkation of crew members from any vessel calling at Malta Freeport. The vessel crew is also required to self-isolate when possible. Furthermore with respect to ongoing operations, crew members must practice general infection and prevention advice when interacting with shore personnel and agency staff embarking the vessel. Such measures include social distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory protection in the form of masks. Crew members will only be allowed to disembark the vessel if they have been granted permission by the relevant authorities.

In addition vessels are being requested to show the Yellow flag in accordance with the International Code of Signal to signify that the ship is healthy.

24 February 2020 Gulf Agency Company (Kuwait) Ltd, Iraq  
  • Ministry of Communications General company of Ports for Iraq have informed all agents that Masters of vessels that have called at a Chinese port within the last 30 days before arriving in Iraq are requested to provide a statement 3 days before arriving in Iraqi territorial waters that crew onboard do not have any symptoms of corona virus (high temperature, sore throat, coughing or breathing difficulties).
  • If any such symptoms are noted, the Master should inform port authority prior to arrival and await further instructions.
19 February 2020 India   The Ministry of Shipping, India has issued a notice/memo that foreigners who have visited China on or after 15 Jan 20 will not be allowed to enter India from any Air, Land or Sea port.

Agents have been advising calling vessels to Paradip that:

  1. crew changes are not allowed
  2. shore leave will not be granted for crew of vessels that have called at China, South Asian countries and Australia.
  3. if vessel has Chinese crew that joined after 25 Dec 2019, the vessel must remain at anchorage for examination
  4. if suspected case of COVID-19 on board then the vessel must remain at anchorage for examination
19 February 2020 Ivory P&I, Mauritania   Before any entry of vessel in the port of Nouakchott (PANPA):
  • The origin and the last ten ports of call.
  • A health clearance and report of any seafarer embarked who became sick on board the ship within a period of 15 days before arrival of the ship at the port of Nouakchott.
  • Before any entry or exit of seafarers to embark or disembark on board/from the vessel of a passing vessel trough the focal point of autonomous port of Nouakchott (PANPA).
  • The visa of the last point of entry at the borders of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, for seafarers to embark.
  • The origin and the last ten ports of call.
  • A health clearance and report of any seafarer who became sick on board the ship and who has to be disembarked within a period of 15 days before arrival of the ship at the port of Nouakchott.
19 February 2020 Shepstone & Wylie, South Africa   Screening measures include:
  • Port Health officials must monitor all arriving conveyances from the affected countries and increase surveillance measures.
  • Upon arrival of the conveyance, Port Health officials must collect and verify the health documentation and interview the crew members/operators to determine if there is any sick passenger on board.
  • In addition to the routine interview of crew members/operators, Port Health officials must ask crew members questions specific to signs and symptoms of 2019-nCov.
  • If the Port Health official is certain that there are no sick passengers on board and all health requirements have been met, the passengers may be allowed to disembark.
  • All arriving passengers must be channelled through thermal processes.
  • Travelers found to have elevated temperature must be escorted to the Port Health clinic where available, for further examination and must be interviewed to determine their travel history.
  • Where a Port Health clinic is not available, Port Health must interview the traveller with elevated temperature to determine their travel history, record the details of the traveller and if required, transfer the traveller to the nearest health facility.
  • Travellers presenting with any of one of these symptoms; fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain and have travelled to the affected countries must be isolated and arrangements made for transportation of the traveller to the nearest designated health facility.

In the case of known and reported cases by vessels themselves, the procedure involves the following:

  • From an incoming vessel, a patient or other passengers (must) inform Captains/ and the crew must move the suspected patent to an isolated area, and the Captain must report illness to the harbour authorities.
  • The Captain or vessel agent must inform the Port Health Officers.
  • The Port Health officers must contact emergency Medical Services and the designated hospital for patient referral, as well as notify the provincial and/or district CDC.
  • The Port Health officer must facilitate assessment of a passenger(s) and contact the vessel prior to their departure from the harbour.
  • The CDC coordinator must monitor contacts utilising information provided by Port Health.
  • If close contacts develop signs and symptoms, they must be referred to designated health facility.
  • Where cleaning and/or disinfection is required, the Port Health office must inform cleaning/handling company and monitor the process.
13 February 2020 France   North Club issued Coronavirus situation in French ports:
  • Dunkirk: no specific measure has been implemented by the Port Authorities to date nor has any specific information been issued to the attention of local Agents
  • Le Havre: A “sanitary watch” has been ordered by the Harbour Master’s office, consisting in the obligation for Masters of vessels calling in port to notify immediately their Agent and fill in a “Déclaration Maritime de Santé” (DMS – health maritime declaration form) in case of any signs of pathology amongst the crew.
  • Rouen: A “sanitary watch” has been ordered by the Harbour Master’s office, consisting in the obligation for Masters of vessels calling in port to notify immediately their Agent and fill in a “Déclaration Maritime de Santé” (DMS – health maritime declaration form) in case of any signs of pathology amongst the crew.
  • Brest: No specific measure implemented in Brest to date. The Harbor Master has only asked Agents to pay specific attention to vessel with Asian crewmembers onboard or regarding crew changes with transits via Hong Kong or Singapore
  • Lorient: Agents have been asked to have all vessels calling fill in a questionnaire drafted by the local Port Authorities detailing crew movements for the past 14 days and enquiring about possible symptoms related to the illness (copy enclosed) + to hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health.
  • Nantes/St Nazaire/Donges/Montoire: Agents have been asked to display and hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health.
  • La Rochelle/La Pallice: Agents have been asked to notify the Harbor Master’s office of any incoming vessel with Chinese crew onboard or having called in a Chinese port over the last 15 days, in which case these vessels are compelled to fill in a DMS before they can get clearance to berth.
  • Bordeaux/Ambes/Blaye/Bassens: Agents have been asked to display and hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health.
  • Bayonne: Agents have been asked to display and hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health.
  • Sète: Agents have been asked to display and hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health + to notify the Harbor Master’s office of any incoming vessel with Chinese crew onboard
  • Port-Vendres: no specific measure has been implemented by the Port Authorities to date nor has any specific information been issued to the attention of local Agents

Marseille/Fos/Lavera: Agents have been asked to display and hand out to all incoming vessels the “TRAVELLERS’ ADVICE” flyers issued by the French Ministry of Health.

10 February 2020 Hong Kong Shipowners Association   The Government has imposed a 14-day compulsory quarantine on all the people entering Hong Kong from the Chinese Mainland irrespective of their nationalities.

You may find the exemption arrangement under Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation here and the gazettal of the Compulsory Quarantine of Certain Persons Arriving at Hong Kong Regulation and Prevention and Control of Disease (Disclosure of Information) Regulation here.

10 February 2020 Nisomar Ltd., Kenya Public notice Kenyan Ports Authority has issued a note for Port of Mombasa for vessels that have called at China within last 14 days or crew that have travelled to China in last 14 days.

All vessels arriving from China must fill out Maritime Declaration of Health that states health status of crew.

Submit in advance:

  • crew list
  • a ‘voyage memo’ (voyage details to show vessel movements for last 14 days)
  • a valid ship control or exemption certificate
6 February 2020 Korean Register, Korea Notice of new Coronavirus (CoV) infection The notice includes the announcement made by the anti-epidemic task force in the area of Jingjinag-city, China.
6 February 2020 Korean Register, Korea   KR informs of restrictions concerning ships entering or leaving Taiwan:
  • Taiwan by inspector’s thermal regulation, coughing or breathing shortages, regardless of whether taking the medications for cough, etc., upon arrival Airport / shall notify the inspectors of the port immediately.
  • If a vessel has visited a Chinese port within 14 days, the crew cannot issue a landing permit.
  • Chinese crew cannot issue coastal passes by port authorities and does not grant landing permits to all Taiwan ports.
  • All Chinese Are refused to enter Taiwan at the airport
  • Foreigners who visit China within 14 days prior to entering Taiwan are not allowed to (Example: the crew change, CDI, checks, etc)
  • Hong Kong and Macao locals arriving in Taiwan are 14 should be under home quarantine for one or hotels.
6 February 2020 AIV Private Limited, Pakistan Travel Advisory for the prevention and control of novel coronavirus  Governmental department Port Health Establishment issued a travel advisory on 1 February that includes:
  • Vessels must submit a health declaration that there are no symptoms on board.
  • No crew disembarkation until clearance from Port Health is obtained.
  • Suspected infected vessels will be isolated at outer anchorages.

The Port Qasim Authority further requires that crew from foreign vessels are not allowed to disembark.

6 February 2020 Pandiman Philippines Inc, Philippines Circular 2020-0034  The circular includes separate requirements to be followed by cruise ships and cargo vessels.
6 February 2020 Brazmar, Brazil Action to be expected of the Port Health Authority   Law firm SMA have provided advice on what to expect from Brazilian authorities should infection be suspected on board.
6 February 2020 Spica Services, Vietnam   For the time being, Vietnamese authorities haven’t issued an official statement; Yet, North’s correspondents report that:
  • In Vung Ang port located in Vung Ang Economic Freezone and Qui Nhon Port checks and restrictions have reportedly been put in place which mirror those in China. Crew may not be allowed off the ship but that the ship may call.
  • For the rest of the country, including Hongai, correspondents are not aware of any quarantine restrictions at this stage.
  • Flights to mainland China remain suspended.
  • Strongly recommend that any ships due to call Vietnamese ports liaise closely with their appointed agents as agents will have the most recent updates on the steps being taken in the specific ports.
6 February 2020 Spica Services, Thailand   Port Authority of Thailand requires the Master to complete and submit information 24 hours prior to the vessel’s arrival:
  • Information of conveyance (Tor.1 Form).
  • Maritime information of health via radio telegram (Tor.2 form).
  • Maritime declaration of health (Tor.3 form).
  • Last port of call / port clearance.

In case, the last port of call is China and departure was within 14 days, Quarantine Office shall also require the Master to complete their questionnaire prior to berthing of the vessel.

If crew has experienced any illness, fever or respiratory problems, quarantine officer may attend on board for investigation.

6 February 2020 Intermarc Services, Sri Lanka  
  • In addition to the routine declaration, all arriving vessels are required to declare details of all ports of call within the past 14 days.
  • Vessel masters are also required to provide a further health status on board declaration including health issues of crew and or flu like symptoms 12 hours prior to vessel arrival.
  • Vessels are also required to report on their onboard health status to Port Control at their first point of contact.
  • Health declaration forms have also been provided to all local agents to be passed on to calling vessels and is required to be completed and submitted to authorities for consideration.
  • It is mandatory for all crew and passengers landing ashore to fill out a Health Declaration Form for screening by health authorities. Any suspected patients or those with travel history to WHO categorized very high-risk countries within the last 14 days may not be provided with the relevant medical clearances by authorities.
  • Prior approval from authorities is required to be obtained for any crew changes.
  • Presently all port activities are ongoing as normal without any issues.
6 February 2020 Cameroon Public Notice No. 0455/20 A notice has been issued by the Port of Douala that advises of following measures to be taken:
  • Vessels from “countries at risk” must wait at base buoy for a minimum of 14 days before being allowed to proceed into the channel
  • After 14 days, port health service will board vessel at base buoy to consider clearance
  • Upon berthing, the port health service will be the first to board. Other administrations and services must wait for free pratique before boaridng
  • Deliveries to the vessel at base buoy is prohibited

Crew changes must be carried out under full supervision of port health service

5 February 2020 Bahamas Maritime Authority, Bahamas Technical alert Version No. 1.2 It provides information on the widely reported outbreak of novel coronavirus.
5 February 2020 MPA Singapore, Singapore PORT MARINE CIRCULAR NO. 03 OF 2020 According to the circular:
  • All arriving vessels that have called at ports in China in the past 14 days;
  • All arriving vessels with crew/passengers who have travelled
    to mainland China in the past 14 days

should submit the Maritime Declaration of Health to the Port Health Office. 

4 February 2020 Aus Ship P&I, Australia Bulletin The bulletin is an addition to the existent one, with the Club informing that the Australian Government are implementing enhanced risk assessments on all international vessels calling into Australia.
4 February 2020 JF, Bangladesh, Ltd, Bangladesh Circular The circular provides information on the measures taken for the utmost protection from the coronavirus.
4 February 2020 Spark International, Korea   For vessels arriving at Korean ports from or via China, the National Quarantine Station and related authorities have set up an enhanced screening measures for the crew onboard.

National Quarantine Station officers are boarding those vessels to check the body temperatures of each crew along with handing out questionnaires to be filled out personally by all crew members.

4 February 2020 Alejandro Vega, Argentina   Health authorities require that when vessels arriving in Argentina from China or that have operated in a port of that country, photocopies of the last 48 hours of the Medical Record on board, as well as the latest body temperature report of crew members and passengers must be attached in Free Practique request in TAD System. (Distance Procedure System – Health Authorities electronic system).
3 February 2020 MPA Singapore, Singapore Port Marine Circular No.02 Provides health advisory for;
  • operators, owners, masters, persons-in-charge and crew members of harbour and pleasure craft
  • shore personnel visiting ships alongside the wharves and at the anchorages
  • shipowners, ship managers, agents and masters of Singapore Registered Ships
3 February 2020 MPA Singapore, Singapore Port Marine Circular No.03 Provides the National Environment Agency’s (Port Health Office) requirements to submit the Maritime Declaration of Health to the Port Health Office.
3 February 2020 Huatai Insurance Agency and Consultant Service Ltd, China Bulletin The Bulletin summarizes the protection and control measures implemented by the port Authorities of each major Chinese port.
February 2020 Hong Kong Marine Department, Hong Kong Merchant marine shipping information note The purpose of this Note is to promulgate IMO Circular Letter No. 4204 on the precautions to be taken to minimize risks to seafarers, passengers and others on board ships from novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
2 February 2020 USCG Marine Safety Information Bulletin 02-20 The bulletin provides additional information and guidance to the maritime community regarding the current novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.
2 February 2020 Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry, Cyprus Circular No. 03/2020 The circular highlights that all owners and managers of ships flying the Cyprus Flag are strongly urged to promulgate information on the basis of IMO Circular Letter No. 4204 to ensure that seafarers, passengers and others on board ships are provided with accurate and relevant information on the coronavirus outbreak and on the measures to reduce the risk of exposure if they are likely to be engaged on ships trading to and from ports in coronavirus-affected States.
31 January 2020 Pandiman Philippines Inc, Philippines  Memo Philippine Ports Authorities (PPA) advise:
  • Ports remain open to all ships even from those originating from China and its Special Administrative Regions (SARs).
  • The only conditions are the non-disembarkation of vessel crew and no visitors allowed while docked in any PPA-controlled port or at anchorage.
  • Ships calling in the Philippines more than 14 days after calling out at a port in China or its SARs shall be allowed to dock without restrictions
January 2020 Liberia Maritime Authority, Liberia MARINE ADVISORY: 03/2020 The Authority informs Shipowners/Operators/Recognized Organizations, Crewing Agents of the risks and challenges of the virus.
31 January 2020 Gibraltar Port Authority, Gibraltar Coronavirus Declaration for-000156 The Declaration should be completed by every vessel that will call Gibraltar at either the  Western Anchorage, East anchorage, North Anchorage, any alongside berth, Quick turnarounds, medical disembarkations, OPLA and OPLB.
31 January 2020 USCG Delaware Bay Marine Safety Information Bulletin The bulletin highlights the measures that the ships calling the Delaware Bay should follow in case of any crew experiencing symptoms, also reporting of any symptoms concerning passengers or crew that may have departed the vessel.
31 January 2020 USCG Marine Safety Information Bulletin MSIB 01-2020 This bulletin provides guidance on reporting any sick or deceased crew/passenger, informs of quarantine station points.
31 January 2020 Aus Ship P&I, Australia Bulletin The bulletin includes advises issued by the Australian Government on how to combat the spread of the virus.
31 January 2020 Brazmar Marine Services, Brazil No 4/2020/SEI/GIMTV/GGPAF/DIRE5/ANVISA The bulletin highlights that any suspected cases should be treated in isolation and with use of surgical masks.
31 January 2020 Pandi Liquidadores S.R.L, Argentina Circular 019/2020 Although Argentina remains a low-risk country, the country demands that any symptoms of infection or any similar symptoms with the virus should be reported.
31 January 2020 IMO Circular Letter No.4203 The circular provides information and guidance, based on recommendations developed WHO and the Division of Healthcare Management and Occupational Safety and Health, United Nations, on the precautions to be taken to minimize risks to delegates attending meetings at IMO following the recent outbreak of novel coronavirus.
31 January 2020 IMO Circular Letter No.4204 The circular provides information and guidance, based on recommendations developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), on the precautions to be taken to minimize risks to seafarers, passengers and others on board ships from the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
30 January 2020 Kuantan Port Authority, Kuantan  Circular 01/2020 Kuantan Port Authority has issued port circular 01/2020 which provides measures in Kuantan Port. This includes:
  • At least 48h prior to arrival, agent to advise the authorities if vessel’s last three ports included a Chinese port
  • Screening at anchorage prior to berthing
  • Crew not allowed to disembark without permission from Medical Officer, even after screening
  • Crew with history of travel from, or passport issued at, Hubei Province will not be allowed to disembark
30 January 2020 United Arab Emirates Circular No (1) 2020 The circular notes that all the vessels that had visited any Chinese port in the previous 30 days, should provide a statement that crew have no symptoms.
29 January 2020 Inchcape Shipping Services, Kuwaiti port authorities, Kuwait   They issued a statement according to which all ship master’s coming directly or transiting China ports, are kindly requested to ensure to provide us a statement that no symptoms was observed such as high temperature, sore throat, coughing or breathing difficulties.
28 January 2020 Budd Group, France Circular (2019-nCoV)   The circular provides advice for those suffering from the symptoms of a respiratory illness.
27 January 2020 USCG New Orleans Marine Safety Information Bulletin, MSIB XX-20 The Bulletin advises that vessels calling within COPT will receive an email if the “Notice of Arrival’ declares that the vessel had called to China within last five ports of call.

Failure to report the above can lead to a civil penalty of up to $94,219.

 

#IMO Guidance on COVID-19

IMO has issued the following circular letters:

 

# The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)

The guidance is in line with WHO’s advice, informing that if the recommended measures are taken, there should be no ‘unnecessary restrictions of international traffic’.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) recently issued its recommendations in order to limit coronavirus’s spread.# The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)

The advice go as follows:

  • Exit screening at ports in the affected areas to detect symptomatic travelers and prevent the exportation of the disease. This includes checking for signs and symptoms and keeping confirmed cases under isolation and treatment.
  • Implementing health information campaigns to raise awareness on how to receive assistance if someone is showing symptoms.
  • Collaborating with public health authorities for case management on board ships, should a traveller with symptoms be detected.

As the coronavirus crisis continues, the International Chamber of Shipping published new guidance focusing on seafarers’ health and protection, providing detailed advice on managing port entry restrictions and practical protective measures for Seafarers, including an outbreak management plan, which each vessel has to implement and follow.

# BIMCO

In late January, BIMCO published a statement noting that

As a consequence of the current spread of Coronavirus, BIMCO has decided that no BIMCO staff can travel to the Far East until further notice. This decision extends to excluding anyone from personally attending any BIMCO training course, subcommittee meeting, working group, etc. who has been to China in the 14 days prior to the planned event.

# International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) / January 26

IMHA issued advice for the shipping companies, adding that the symptoms are fever and acute respiratory symptoms, advising:

  • Do not restrict embarkation /disembarkation of seafarers in non-affected ports
  • Do not restrict necessary ship visits by port agents, chaplains, service personnel and others.
  • Do not visit Food Markets in China. Avoid provision of fish and poultry in China.
  • Do not consume raw eggs, milk, meat. • For galley: Observe strict food hygiene to avoid cross contamination
  • Store facial protection for all crew (5 pieces /per person)
  • Provide influenza vaccination, alcohol based hand rub and facial protection to ship inspector and other company employees who travel to China.
  • If a person on board falls sick AND has been travelling to affected areas 2-12 days before embarkation, the person must stay in his cabin. Consult a Medical Doctor in the next port.
  • If a sick person is on board of the ship, fill the Maritime declaration of health and notify port authority

# Australian Port Authority

Australia highlighted that there was a failure on adequate checks for the coronavirus infections on vessels entering Australian ports.

In light of this, Maritime Union of Australia National Secretary, Paddy Crumlin commented that

Australian workers are going out onto to these vessels and having direct contact with foreign seafarers prior to them entering the port. Tugboat crews are receiving ships equipment that may have been in contact with infected seafarers. It shouldn’t be left to these workers to provide Australia’s response to an international, viral threat.

# The International Transport of Workers’ Federation (ITF)

How coronavirus affects shipping: Everything you need to know

ITF highlighted the importance of seafarers being protected, advising that:

  • travelers should avoid unprotected contact with live animals;
  • thoroughly cook all animal products, including meat and eggs;
  • all travelers should practice good hygiene to avoid contact with anyone displaying symptoms.

# Cruise sector

The Cruise Industry was equally affected by the outbreak of the virus, with many cruise companies informing that their operations in Shanghai have been suspended. Thus, the companies offered refunds or rescheduled its voyages.

  • Royal Caribbean: Spectrum of the Seas, Costa Atlantica, Costa Venezia, and MSC Splendida have cancelled their departures from the International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan District;
  • Costa Cruises: Suspension of all operations from China until February 4. Operations at other major Chinese ports have also been halted;
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: Introduction of non-touch temperature screenings for all passengers embarking from Chinese ports. Guest with a body temperature screening of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius or higher will not be allowed to board and will be directed to seek local medical treatment. What is more, guests travelling from Wuhan, China or who have been in the city in the last 30 days will be denied boarding;
  • Royal Caribbean Cruises Asia Pacific: Will not permit passengers who visited Wuhan including those who are from the region to board their ships;
  • Princess Cruises in Asia: No plans to change their itineraries and if necessary, they will introduce pre-boarding disease reporting for passengers arriving from affected areas;
  • Crystal Cruises: Closely monitoring developments related to the coronavirus, including recommendations from the World Health Organization.

# The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)

The PPA reported that they encompassed all PPA-controlled ports nationwide after the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the first nCoV case on January 30.

# Coronavirus Live Map

In efforts of monitoring the situation and tracking down the incident throughout the world, Johns Hopkins University launched a live, interactive map, which depicts in real time, the spread of the virus.

For example, today, 4 February 2020, according to the map there have been totally 20,679 cases of people infected, with 427 total deaths and 715 recoveries.

How coronavirus affects shipping: Everything you need to know
-click on the image to see the live map-
How coronavirus affects shipping: Everything you need to knowHow coronavirus affects shipping: Everything you need to know
How coronavirus affects shipping: Everything you need to knowHow coronavirus affects shipping: Everything you need to know

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