Hot Port News from GAC
24-Mar-2020
SUBMARINE CABLE MAINTENANCE WORKS AT AP LEI CHAU AND LAMMA ISLAND
Hong Kong
IMPACT OF LOCKDOWN ON PORT OPERATIONS
India
TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS ON CREW SHORE LEAVE
Houston/Galveston, United States
BORDERS CLOSED
Trinidad & Tobago
COVID-19 PROTECTIVE MEASURES UPDATE (24 MARCH)
Yemen
NON-RESIDENT ARRIVALS TO BE BANNED
Hong Kong
TWO-PORT POLICY
Brisbane, Australia
CURFEW IMPOSED
Greece
LEVEL 4 LOCKDOWN
New Zealand
BERTHING POLICY & TARIFF STRUCTURE INCREASE DATE POSTPONED
Kattupalli, India
PEEL PORTS PILOT EMBARKATION PROCEDURES
Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom
CUSTOMS CONTROL DELAYS
Izmit, Turkey
QUARANTINE FOR FOREIGN VESSELS CALLING FOR REPAIRS
Namibia
HARBOUR CLOSED TO NON-ESSENTIAL TRAFFIC
Tobermory, United Kingdom
TRANSPORTATION SUSPENSIONS
Pakistan
ONBOARD DETENTION OF FOREIGN CREW
San Francisco, United States
AIRPORT & HARBOUR CLOSURE EXTENDED
Norway
MARINE SOIL INVESTIGATION AT TUAS BAY & TUAS BASIN
Singapore
PORT OPEN, SUBJECT TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
Freeport, Bahamas
Submarine cable maintenance works at Ap Lei Chau and Lamma Island
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Hong Kong
For a period of approximately 3 months, submarine cable maintenance works [are being] carried out within the following works areas:
WORKS AREA 1
This area is bounded by straight lines joining the following coordinates from (A) to (C) and the adjacent shoreline:
(A) 22 deg. 14.586’N / 114 deg. 08.732’E
(B) 22 deg. 14.579’N / 114 deg. 08.664’E
(C) 22 deg. 14.617’N / 114 deg. 08.660’E
WORKS AREA 2
This area is bounded by straight lines joining the following coordinates from (D) to (G) and the adjacent shoreline:
(D) 22 deg. 13.702’N / 114 deg. 07.338’E
(E) 22 deg. 13.723’N / 114 deg. 07.360’E
(F) 22 deg. 13.678’N / 114 deg. 07.410’E
(G) 22 deg. 13.665’N / 114 deg. 07.397’E
The works [are being] carried out by two dumb lighters. One work boat and one tugboat provide assistance.
A working area of approximately 50 metres around each lighter [is] established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights [are] laid to mark the positions extending from the lighters.
The hours of work are from 0800 to 1800 hours. No works [are being] carried out on Sundays and public holidays. Vessels employed for the works stay in the works area outside the hours of work.
Diving operations [are being] carried out from time to time during the hours of work.
Vessels engaged in the operations display signals as prescribed in international and local regulations.
Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution.
(For information about operations in Hong Kong, contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com)
Source: Government of the Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.45/2020
Impact of lockdown on port operations
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, India
Several States in India have now announced a complete ‘lockdown’ until the end of the month (31 March 31). Only essential services (hospitals, medical stores, grocery & vegetable shops) are asked to function.
Yesterday (23 March), the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India released an Order clarifying that port related activities are considered “Essential Services”. Thus, it is hoped that port operations will not be suspended.
However, as the lockdown suspends all activities/movements other than essential services, and district borders are sealed, difficulty can be anticipated in the movement of pilots, labour, personnel, vehicles, trucking, cargo evacuation, port agents, CHA & other stake holders involved in vessel/cargo operations. Manpower is also drastically reduced in most locations.
The latest guidelines issued by the D.G Shipping instructed all ports to follow 14 days mandatory quarantine for vessels arriving from restricted countries/ports.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com
Temporary restrictions on crew shore leave
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Houston/Galveston, United States
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for Houston/Galveston has advised that all crew are remanded onboard vessels.
Its Public Information Notice dated 23 March states:
QUOTE…
In support of Federal, State, and local restrictions being implemented to address the public health emergency and community spread of COVID-19, all maritime crew will be remanded to their vessels until further notice.
CBP will work with carriers on a case-by-case basis on temporary shore leave requests for such reasons as but not limited to humanitarian, shore side business critical to the safe operation of the vessel, legal, medical, etc. At this time, crew sign-offs (D-2) will still be reviewed and granted if the crewmember has direct and continuous travel out of the United States, the crewmember is not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, the crewmember has valid travel documents, and there is no other restriction on the crewmember’s travel.
Please continue to notify the CBP Fusion Desk as well as the boarding officer before inspection begins of any crew repatriations planned in the Houston/Galveston Area Port. You will be provided with instructions on any additional requirements in place at that time.
Please note, due to evolving travel restrictions worldwide, this activity is subject to change on short notice. A trade notice will be sent if CBP Houston/Galveston Area Port implements any major changes.
All entrance, clearance, and crewmembers requests will still be routed to the Fusion e-mail inbox at HOUSTONSEAPORTFUSION@cbp.dhs.gov. Local questions regarding issues related to this notice should be directed to Assistant Port Director Greg Vawter or a Watch Commander at 713-454-8002.
…UNQUOTE.
Similar notices have been received from San Francisco, Lake Charles, Freeport, and New Orleans. All US ports will follow suit. Crew changes may be extremely difficult so please check with local GAC offices for the most up to date info regarding your crew.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the United States, contact GAC North America at usa@gac.com
Borders closed
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Trinidad & Tobago
As of midnight on Sunday (22 March), Trinidad & Tobago’s borders are closed to all international flights until further notice.
This is an escalation of existing border controls which previously only barred the entry of non-nationals into Trinidad and Tobago.
Seaports (Port Facilities) are closed. However, protocols are in place to allow sea and air cargo vessels to enter and offload cargo. Crew are not allowed to disembark.
Ship spares deliveries to a vessel or rig already in port are allowed, upon request.
Bunker and food supplies delivery is not permitted. Special permission may be granted upon request.
For further details and updates, as well as information ab out operations in Trinidad & Tobago, contact GAC Trinidad & Tobago at trinidad@gac.com
COVID-19 protective measures update (24 March)
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Yemen
For one month from today (24 March), Yemen’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Yemen has ordered private sector institutions and companies to minimize business hours and suspend all meetings and workshops. Shopping malls, hotels, parks, and celebration centers have also been ordered to closed from yesterday (23 March) for two weeks.
The port of Aden remains open and operational with the below regulations in effect:
Ships shall be inspected at anchorage to ensure that they are free of Covid-19.
Ship’s crew shall not be permitted to disembark until they are certified free of Covid-19 by port health representatives.
No person will be permitted to board ships at anchorage until they are inspected by port health representatives.
Arrival of passengers from other ports is prohibited.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Yemen, contact GAC Yemen at yemen@gac.com
Non-resident arrivals to be banned
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Government yesterday (23 March) announced that it will ban non-Hong Kong residents arriving from overseas countries or territories through the airport from entering Hong Kong for 14 days, starting from 25 March.
Non-Hong Kong residents arriving in Hong Kong from the Mainland, Macau and Taiwan who have been to overseas countries or territories in the past 14 days will also be banned from entering.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Hong Kong, contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com
Two-Port Policy
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Brisbane, Australia
From Monday 23 March, Marine Safety Queensland (MSQ) and the Queensland State Government have softened their position in relation to the Port of Brisbane.
Due to different trade patterns for the port, it has been deemed appropriate to adopt the federal position for the Port of Brisbane only (all other Queensland ports maintain the 14 day isolation policy for all vessels arriving from overseas).
This means that from Monday 23 March, vessels arriving at the Port of Brisbane, other than those arriving from China and South Korea, will be allowed to berth and commence cargo operations provided all non-essential crew remain on board and in self-isolation. Crew essential to the operations of the vessel will be permitted to carry out essential tasks provided they observe social distancing and wear appropriate PPE.
This is of course provided there is no sickness reported onboard.
For information about operations in Australia, contact GAC Australia at shipping.australia@gac.com
Curfew imposed
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Greece
The Greek Government has imposed a curfew on the country, from 23 March to 6 April.
People working in the shipping sector can fill in the relevant forms for their transportation and carry our procedures to work normally.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Greece, contact GAC Greece at greece@gac.com
Level 4 lockdown
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, New Zealand
The New Zealand Government has announced sweeping measures to slow the spread of Covid-19.
From midnight on Wednesday (25 March), the country will be at a level 4 lockdown. This means that citizens are instructed to stay at home and all non-essential businesses, along with educational facilities are to close.
For information about operations in New Zealand, contact the GAC Singapore Hub Agency Centre at hub.sg@gac.com
Berthing Policy & Tariff Structure increase date postponed
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Kattupalli, India
The BPTS [Berthing Policy & Tariff Structure] will be effective from 1 May 2020 (instead of 1 April 2020 as circulated earlier). Due to the pandemic situation of COVID-19, we are postponing the hike.
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com)
Source: Adani Kattupalli Port Circular No. MIDPL/04/2020 dated 22 March 2020
Peel Ports pilot embarkation procedures
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom
The Peel Ports Group have provided the following Pilot Embarkation Additional Procedure for the embarkation of pilots and subsequent vessel transit.
With the declaration of coronavirus COVID 19 as a pandemic, in order to reduce the risk to both Ships Crew, Pilots and Boat crews, this Pilot Embarkation Additional Procedure applies as far as practicable to all vessels.
Responsibility for carrying out the following Pilot Embarkation Additional Procedure rests with the vessel’s master assisted by the shipowner and local ship agent as appropriate.
Pilot Embarkation Special Procedure
All vessels must have submitted the required Maritime Declaration of Health to the local Port Heath Authority.
On arrival VTS/LPS will ask for confirmation that MDH has been submitted and that there has been no change since.
The embarking pilot will provide a Pilots Medical Declaration to the ship’s agent prior to embarkation.
Where possible, one hour before the pilot embarkation time, non-essential crew should remain clear of the designated route from the pilot embarkation point (either pilot ladder, accommodation ladder etc.) to the wheelhouse, especially where the route is within enclosed spaces.
Immediately prior to pilot embarkation, all surfaces and equipment in the wheelhouse, or on the bridge wings, that the pilot may touch must be cleaned with a suitable cleaning solution.
The wheelhouse, where possible, should remain well ventilated via the opening of external doors or windows. But with ships internal ventilation system to the wheelhouse turned off.
All crew at the embarkation point must wear a protective mask and rubber gloves.
The crew member assigned to escort the pilot from the embarkation point to the wheelhouse must wear a protective mask and rubber gloves.
Where possible, the route from the embarkation point to the wheelhouse should be via the open deck, as opposed to within enclosed spaces, and clear of ventilation exhausts.
The wheelhouse should be cleared of all crew not essential to the navigation of the vessel, and all crew members present must wear a protective mask and rubber gloves.
The Pilot and Master will only sight relevant documents.
Unless necessary for the safety of the pilot (i.e. during the embarkation process), crew or vessel, the pilot and crew should remain at least 2m apart.
Similar precautions must be taken during disembarkation of the pilot either ashore or to the pilot launch.
If any vessel is not able to comply with the requirement of this notice they are required to notify Great Yarmouth Pilots.
Failure to comply with this notice may result in your pilot being cancelled or your vessel delayed.
(For information about operations in the United Kingdom, contact GAC UK at uk@gac.com)
Source: Peel Ports Group, Port of Great Yarmouth, Notice to Mariners No.05 2020 dated 23 March 2020
Customs control delays
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Izmit, Turkey
Due to congestion at sanitary inspection in the Izmit region, customs control will not performed between the hours of 00:01 to 08:00 local time for a while.
Depending on terminal programmes, vessels can drop anchor at the Izmit anchorage area or berth at terminals upon arrival. However, if they arrive between 00:01 LT and 08:00, they will have to wait until 08:00 for customs control.
For information about operations in Turkey contact GAC Turkey at turkey@gac.com
Quarantine for foreign vessels calling for repairs
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Namibia
Any foreign vessels calling our ports for the purposes of conducting dry docking and/alongside-repairs anywhere in our ports will be required to first self-quarantine at a suitable anchorage for at least 14 days. Time spent sailing from the previous port of call to our port can be taken into account in reducing the quarantine period at anchorage. Compliance with this self-quarantine requirement will be pre-requisite prior to any relevant vessels being given port clearance to come through into the ports.
Any foreign vessel calling our ports and intending to undergo repairs at anchorage will be required to first self-quarantine at a suitable anchorage for at least 14 days before any shore-based repair crews will be allowed to board that vessel. Time spent sailing from the previous port of call to our port can be taken into account in reducing the quarantine period at anchorage.
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Namibia, contact GAC Namibia at namibia@gac.com)
Source: Namibian Ports Authority Memorandum dated 23 March 2020
Harbour closed to non-essential traffic
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Tobermory, United Kingdom
Tobermory Harbour is now closed to all non-essential visiting vessels. All visiting vessels entering Harbour limits must contact the Harbour team on VHF Channel 68 or duty mobile 07917 832 497 and await further instruction.
Tobermory Harbour will remain open as a Port of Refuge and remain open for all essential visiting vessels. Essential traffic includes fishing, ferries and commercial boats, emergencies and medivacs.
If any vessel has a crew member displaying symptoms of COVID-19, or know that they have been in contact with a confirmed case, they must declare this to the harbour team before coming alongside. Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever or acute respiratory infection with at least one of cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath.
If the suspected case is a medical emergency, you must call 999 for medical assistance and you must inform attending services that the case has originated from a COVID-19 risk area or has had contact with a confirmed case. DO NOT disembark the patient or arrange alternative transport to a hospital until advised to do so.
Please also ask the Harbour Staff to inform relevant authorities.
If the suspected case is not a medical emergency, please dial 111, DO NOT disembark the patient.
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the United Kingdom, contact GAC UK at uk@gac.com)
Source: Tobermory Harbour Authority Notice (temporary) No.02 / 2020 issued 23 March 2020
Transportation suspensions
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Pakistan
In view of various international travel restrictions due to COVID-19, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced to suspend all international operations till 4 April. Jinnah International Airport, Karachi and Sukkur Airport will remain closed for all domestic flights from 24 March for an indefinite period.
Pakistan Railways has suspended the operations of all passenger trains until 31 March.
All ports and terminals are operational and working with most critical staff as per their prescribed COVID-19 response plans for ports to ensure business continuity. However, delays in operations may be expected.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Pakistan, contact GAC Pakistan at pakistan@gac.com
Onboard detention of foreign crew
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, San Francisco, United States
With immediate effect, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in San Francisco CA is detaining all foreign crewmembers onboard with no shore leave possible.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the United States, contact GAC North America at usa@gac.com
Airport & harbour closure extended
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Norway
The Norwegian government has today (24 March) extended the partial closure of all airports and harbours until 13 April.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Norway, contact GAC Norway at norway@gac.com or go to https://deliveringyourstrategy.no/information-regarding-covid-19
Marine soil investigation at Tuas Bay & Tuas Basin
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Singapore
From today (24 March) until 23 September, marine soil investigation works are being carried out at Tuas Bay and Tuas Basin.
According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Notice No.018 of 2020, the works are being conducted 24 hours daily – including Sundays and Public Holidays – at the following coordinates (WGS 84 Datum):
BH-1) 01 deg. 18·682’N / 103 deg. 38·250’E
BH-2) 01 deg. 18·607’N / 103 deg. 38·328’E
BH-3) 01 deg. 18·533’N / 103 deg. 38·407’E
BH-4) 01 deg. 18·458’N / 103 deg. 38·485’E
BH-5) 01 deg. 18·778’N / 103 deg. 38·855’E
BH-6) 01 deg. 18·699’N / 103 deg. 38·781’E
BH-7) 01 deg. 18·619’N / 103 deg. 38·708’E
BH-8) 01 deg. 18·540’N / 103 deg. 38·634’E
BH-9) 01 deg. 18·460’N / 103 deg. 38·561’E
BH-10) 01 deg. 18·381’N / 103 deg. 38·487’E
BH-11) 01 deg. 18·383’N / 103 deg. 38·563’E
BH-12) 01 deg. 18·309’N / 103 deg. 38·642’E
BH-13) 01 deg. 18·236’N / 103 deg. 38·715’E
BH-14) 01 deg. 18·160’N / 103 deg. 38·798’E
BH-15) 01 deg. 18·162’N / 103 deg. 38·874’E
BH-16) 01 deg. 18·123’N / 103 deg. 38·838’E
BH-17) 01 deg. 18·085’N / 103 deg. 38·809’E
BH-19) 01 deg. 18·003’N / 103 deg. 38·727’E
BH-20) 01 deg. 17·964’N / 103 deg. 38·691’E
BH-21) 01 deg. 17·924’N / 103 deg. 38·654’E
BH-22) 01 deg. 18·201’N / 103 deg. 38·915’E
BH-23) 01 deg. 18·020’N / 103 deg. 38·755’E
BH-24) 01 deg. 17·886’N / 103 deg. 38·655’E
CPT-1) 01 deg. 18·719’N / 103 deg. 38·211’E
CPT-2) 01 deg. 18·644’N / 103 deg. 38·289’E
CPT-3) 01 deg. 18·570’N / 103 deg. 38·367’E
CPT-4) 01 deg. 18·495’N / 103 deg. 38·446’E
CPT-5) 01 deg. 18·818’N / 103 deg. 38·892’E
CPT-6) 01 deg. 18·738’N / 103 deg. 38·818’E
CPT-7) 01 deg. 18·659’N / 103 deg. 38·745’E
CPT-8) 01 deg. 18·579’N / 103 deg. 38·671’E
CPT-9) 01 deg. 18·500’N / 103 deg. 38·598’E
CPT-10) 01 deg. 18·421’N / 103 deg. 38·524’E
CPT-11) 01 deg. 18·341’N / 103 deg. 38·451’E
CPT-12) 01 deg. 18·346’N / 103 deg. 38·602’E
CPT-13) 01 deg. 18·272’N / 103 deg. 38·681’E
CPT-14) 01 deg. 18·197’N / 103 deg. 38·759’E
CPT-15) 01 deg. 18·161’N / 103 deg. 38·836’E
CPT-16) 01 deg. 18·121’N / 103 deg. 38·800’E
CPT-17) 01 deg. 18·082’N / 103 deg. 38·763’E
CPT-18) 01 deg. 18·042’N / 103 deg. 38·726’E
CPT-19) 01 deg. 18·002’N / 103 deg. 38·689’E
CPT-20) 01 deg. 17·963’N / 103 deg. 38·653’E
CPT-21) 01 deg. 18·104’N / 103 deg. 38·857’E
CPT-22) 01 deg. 17·945’N / 103 deg. 38·710’E
CPT-23) 01 deg. 18·043’N / 103 deg. 38·765’E
A jack-up barge with a rotary drilling rig will be used to carry out the soil investigation work. Movement of the jack-up barge will be assisted by tug and during daylight hours only. The jack-up barge will be held in place by steel legs anchored into the seabed.
A safety boat will be deployed in the vicinity to warn other craft about the works.
Craft involved in the works exhibit the appropriate local and international day and night signals.
When in the vicinity of the working area, mariners are reminded to:
a) Keep well clear and not to enter the working area;
b) Maintain a proper lookout;
c) Proceed at a safe speed and navigate with caution;
d) Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 22 (Jurong Control);
and
e) Communicate with Jurong Control for assistance, if required.
For information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com
Port open, subject to COVID-19 restrictions
Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Freeport, Bahamas
The port of Freeport, Grand Bahama – including Buckeye, Bahama Rock, Freeport Container Port (FCP) – is open for business, but subject to restrictions imposed by the Government to prevent the spread of COVID 19.
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the Bahamas, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com)
Source: Elnet Maritime Agency, Bahamas – GAC agent
