Although, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) decided to suspend all business, social, or other activities that cannot be conducted through telecommuting from home due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore informed that Port of Singapore remains operational.
In fact, MOH released “Additional Measures to Minimise Further Spread of COVID-19” urging all business to cease their operations from 7 April until 4 May 2020.
Essential services and their related supply chains, as well as entities that form a part of the global supply chain, are exempted from this action.
With Port of Singapore playing a vital role for the trade and shipping industry, as it ensures the flow of goods, cargo operations along with bunkering, ship stores and ship supplies will continue normally.
Apart from the above-mentioned operations, will be also exempted from the suspension the following:
- Shipping e.g. ship operators and liner operators
- Shipping-related services e.g. ship management and ship agencies
- Safety and navigation services e.g. class societies, pilotage, salvage and towage
- Port and terminal operations including construction
- Port marine services e.g. ship chandlers, bunkering, ferry services
Since the onset of COVID-19, MPA has been working closely with industry stakeholders and other government agencies in taking all necessary precautionary measures to protect Singaporeans, passengers as well as our maritime workforce, including crew members. In addition, MPA and the maritime sector remain committed to ensuring operations continue to run smoothly and efficiently, so that essential goods and supplies will continue to be brought into Singapore.
…MPA concluded.
