Tag: COVID-19

The International Transportation Intermediaries Club (ITIC) alerts members and the shipping industry of the increased reports of fraudulent invoices concerning medical testing services following the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

In light of the coronavirus situation and with several European countries reported their first cases, Port of Antwerp expressed its optimism. In fact, the port said that "there is no reason to panic" as it will further continue its normal operations.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, and the rejection of the "MSC Meraviglia" ship to dock at two major ports around Caribbean waters, as a crewmember was reported with flu symptoms, the cruise company informed that the vessel has been given "a clean bill of health" by Mexican health authorities.

South Korea will take additional steps to support local shipping companies and passenger ferry operators, amidst increasing concerns over economic impacts due to the global spread of the new coronavirus. Specifically, South Korea will distribute 60 billion won (US$49.7 million) for passenger line operators and port cargo handling firms

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has ordered the investigation of Panama-flagged cargo vessel 'MV Harmony 6', after its captain allegedly declared false information of its port clearance details amid intensified maritime security measures against the coronavirus.

A Singapore-Malaysia joint working group, set up on 11 February, met for the first time in Johor Baru on Tuesday, agreeing on some key areas of joint cooperation to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak. The meeting gathered senior government officials of both countries. 

In light of the coronavirus situation, the British Ports Association (BPA) conducted a letter in which requested additional support from Port Health authorities, in order to avoid the spread of the disease.

Ships in ports worldwide are facing delays because of the coronavirus, with additional HSE and customs checks being conducted in some ports. In certain ports, crew changes are difficult or banned, and vessels may be subject to additional checks or even quarantine.

Citing information from their correspondents Cao Dong at Shanghai P&I Services Ltd, the Swedish P&I Club informed of updated measures implemented at main Chinese ports amid the coronavirus outbreak.

MPA Singapore issued a circular bringing to the attention of the National Environment Agency’s Port Health Office requirements to submit the Maritime Declaration of Health to the Port Health Office. This is part of measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus into Singapore and came into effect from 26 February 2020, 2359h.