Following the COVID-19 crisis and the major disruptions that has brought within the maritime community, ports have joined their forces to remain operational and keep the global trade flow.
Specifically, more than 50 port authorities have already signed on to support the Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR) COVID-19 declaration, initiated by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
According to MPA of Singapore, ports around Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas have already joined the initiative.
As more than 80% of goods are transported via sea-lanes, we recognise that the port and maritime sector play a crucial role in keeping trade flows open in our global fight against COVID-19.
In fact, the declaration commits ports to stay open to merchant vessels and work together to share best practices in ensuring that port operations can remain undisrupted.
Members of the PAR would like to declare a commitment to collaborate closely, through the sharing of best practices and implemented measures, such that the ports remain open to seaborne trade to help sustain the world and support the fight against COVID-19.
….MPA of Singapore noted.
What is more, international organisations and groups such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), APEC Port Services Network (APSAN) and American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), Italian Port Association and Maritime NZ also support the declaration.
No one country can win the fight against COVID-19 on its own without having continued access to these vital goods in our inter-connected world.
…MPA Singapore concluded.
