IAPH has also been cooperating with an initiative led by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) on COVID-19 related guidelines for ensuring a safe shipboard interface between ship- and shore-based personnel. The guidance document is dynamic and will be regularly revised using new and updated contributions from ports worldwide. This international benchmark has been complemented with further contributions from IAPH member ports. The document is based on an initiative of the Port of Açu (Brazil) to coordinate, collect and summarise input by ports worldwide on their initiatives facing the coronavirus crisis. Under the umbrella of the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP), a guidance document has been developed to provide support for the implementation of actions to prepare and alleviate coronavirus-related contingencies for port authorities and port operators. On the website of BIMCO, the global association of shipowners, operators, managers, brokers and agents, you will also useful information on its COVID19 portal. You can subscribe here to receive a daily update in your mailbox. These are kept updated through an online map. Ship agents of the Wilhelmsen group, active in 2200 locations worldwide, are reporting three times per day on port-related regulations and restrictions. The publicly-accessible online dashboard allows industry to identify commercial risks and physical threats to shipping around the world and provide live updates as to the number of confirmed cases of the virus, countries at risk and what to look out for. The International Group of P&I Clubs, which represents 13 member P&I Clubs, has launched a new online digital tool to assist shipowners, charterers, operators and other parties in the maritime sector to track country and port specific advice, detailing the measures being put in place in response to the COVID19 pandemic. There are several free online resources that provide regular updates on safety regulations and restrictions introduced by port states and/or port authorities. Inchcape Shipping Services are updating their COVID19 portal (see below John Hopkins University World Map) with a list of ports offering crew changes, detailing local conditions and requirements. The secretariat of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) provides a weekly update of press communications from its member ports regarding their operational status and impact of the pandemic. The vast majority of ports are endeavouring to have all cargo-related services operational 24/7 whilst ensuring a safe working environment for shore and office personnel.Įven if cargo operations continue to function normally, in many cases governments and/or port authorities will have introduced safety regulations and restrictions inter alia related to the movement of ship’s crews, truck drivers and other people needing access to port facilities. The general picture is that most ports are fully operational for cargo business and have closed or restricted operations for passenger vessels, especially cruise ships.
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