In light of the COVID-19 crisis, New Zealand entered an international port authorities’ global initiative, which focuses on boosting the safety and efficiency of goods’ movement during the pandemic.
Until now, 56 port authorities have agreed to collaborate on facilitating maritime trade and face the challenges COVID-19 has brought within the shipping community.
Following the above, the independent Chair of New Zealand port companies’ CEOs’ group, Charles Finny inked the Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR) COVID-19 declaration on behalf of the region’s ports.
In fact, the initiative commits participants to:
Keep global supply chains and trade going, by allowing merchant ships to load and unload while coordinate so they can quickly share information and experiences concerning COVID-19.
At the same time, port authorities will continue to adopt best practices for shore personnel and ship crew, safe handling of cargoes and measures taken in dealing with coronavirus cases.
Ports, shipping and international trade are crucial to New Zealand’s prosperity. We are part of global markets where 80% of the world’s goods are transported via sea-lanes.
….as Mr Charles Finny commented.
For the records, New Zealand’s maritime industry regulator, Maritime NZ, has welcomed and commended the declaration, which was initiated by Singapore and is being implemented by the international Port Authorities’ Roundtable.
Specifically, Director of Maritime NZ, Keith Manch, noted:
Safe and efficient ports, with good international links, are vital for our country’s supply chain. We would also like to express our deepest appreciation to seafarers, harbour pilots, shore-based workers and the maritime community who have worked tirelessly amidst the on-going pandemic in enabling international trade to continue during these challenging times.