Hot Port Views from GAC
05-May-2020
INTRODUCTION OF MOORING CHARGES
Dhamra, India
ADJUSTMENT OF VAT ON PORT & SERVICE CHARGES
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
ARRANGEMENTS FOR OFF-SIGNING AND ON-SIGNING CREW
Denmark
AVAILABILITY OF ANCHORAGES DURING 2020 MONSOON PERIOD
Mumbai, India
CREW CHANGES AND VESSEL CALLS
Belfast (Northern Ireland), Ireland
SHUTDOWN TO CONTINUE UNTIL 16 MAY
Bangladesh
Introduction of mooring charges
Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Dhamra, India
Dhamra Port is introducing Mooring Charges across all Gross Tonnage slabs which will be as follows and applicable to all vessels calling Dhamra Port with effect from or after 15 May 0001 hours:
Mooring Charges
Rate: USD 0.01736 50 per GT
Subject to minimum charges of USD 50.
(For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com)
Source: Adani Ports and Logistics, Dhamra Port Company, Circular no: DPCL/TRADE/03/2020 dated 4 May 2020
Adjustment of VAT on port & service charges
Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
A revision has been conducted of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Classification on the Port and Service Charges, as listed in the Petroleum Port Regulations Article 3.2, and it has been resolved that;
The VAT classification for some of the Port and Service Charges are to be amended from the 5% standard rate to 0% zero-rate.
The revised list of VAT Classification will be applied effective 1st May 2020.
(For further details and information about operations in Abu Dhabi, contact GAC Abu Dhabi at abudhabi@gac.com)
Source: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Petroleum Ports Authority Circular No.3/2020 dated 4 May 2020
Arrangements for off-signing and on-signing crew
Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Denmark
All departing ship crew members must leave Denmark as soon as possible after disembarking from their vessel. If it is not possible for to go direct from ship to the airport for their departing flight, they may stay at an assigned hotel until departure.
Further, preventive quarantine is not permitted for on-signing crew.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Denmark, contact GAC Denmark at denmark@gac.com
Availability of anchorages during 2020 monsoon period
Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Mumbai, India
The foul weather season is normally from 25 May to 31 August. During this period, the anchorage area of the inner harbour is restricted to a line, which is north of the Sunk Rock Light House position.
Hence, the number of anchorages that can be utilised would be restricted due to non-availability of anchorages to the south of this line. Anchorage berth A-3 & Z-3 also may not be available as those are designated emergency anchorage of JNPT.
Mumbai Port Trust will try and accommodate as many vessels as possible but may have to deny anchorage facilities due to non-availability of anchorage berths. The cargo working anchorage berths will be allotted on a first come, first serve basis, while other anchorages will be allotted for short periods only for those vessels also on a first come, first serve basis, which have specific work at Mumbai. Vessels which have got no employment will not be accorded to “lay up anchorage” and hence are strongly exhorted to find monsoon shelter elsewhere.
Small tugs, barges and other small vessels, which are covered under the Inland Water Act are also advised to seek shelter in minor ports in consultation with MMB. Those vessels which are anchored in the inner Mumbai Harbour will have to ensure that they are in a port-worthy condition, manned under the ISM code of safe manning and have the engines in proper working condition besides having all the statutory certificates and insurance valid.
The dumb barges and craft without engine which are anchored in the inner Mumbai Harbour will have to keep standby tugs for assistance to vessel. They also should have their towing ropes and appropriate gear ready to facilitate towing during their stay at anchorage in case of bad weather and any other emergencies.
(For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com)
Source: Mumbai Port Trust Circular dated 2 May 2020
Crew changes and vessel calls
Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Belfast (Northern Ireland), Ireland
Crew changes are possible at the Port of Belfast, but are hampered by the fact that flights to both the city’s airports are limited to one flight in and out of Heathrow per day and the majority of the city’s hotel are closed. Dublin Airport in the Republic of Ireland offers more connecting flights options, but this would entail additional taxi fares to Belfast.
Almost all crew changes are direct to/from the vessel to/from the airport. Seafarers are required to carry a Certificate for International Transport.
Vessels entering the port must submit a Maritime Declaration of Health and additional COVID-19 questionnaire for the Harbour Master and Port Health to vet prior to entry.
Supplies/spares are difficult to come by as majority of non-essential shops are closed or reduced staff working from home.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the island of Ireland (both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), contact GAC Ireland at ireland@gac.com
Shutdown to continue until 16 May
Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Government has further extended the ‘General Holiday’ and decided to shut down all government, public and private offices until 16 May, due to COVID-19. The time of this shutdown may be extended again, depending on the situation.
Chattogram and Mongla Port authority are working during a general holiday.
Vessels sailing from China need to wait at least 16 days starting from the sailing date of China to berth at Chittagong Port.
Vessel Masters must provide a coronavirus declaration.
No shore passes are being issued to vessel crews.
There are restrictions in the issuance of Gate Passes for foreigners.
(For information about operations in Bangladesh, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com)
Source: Uni-Global Business Ltd, Bangladesh – GAC agent
