Hot Port News from GAC
19-Jun-2020
PLEASURE CRAFT MOVEMENTS DURING PHASE TWO OF POST-CIRCUIT BREAKER
Singapore
MEASURES TO SUPPORT SEAFARERS ON SINGAPORE-REGISTERED SHIPS IN LIGHT OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
Singapore
SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS AT BERTH NO.17(O)
Haldia, India
SUBMARINE CABLE MAINTENANCE WORKS AT AP LEI CHAU & LAMMA ISLAND
Hong Kong
PHYSICAL BARRIER REINSTATEMENT WORKS AT SHAU KEI WAN TYPHOON SHELTER
Hong Kong
INDIA GAS EXCHANGE LAUNCHED
India
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS (UPDATE)
Greece
Pleasure craft movements during Phase Two of post-circuit breaker
Friday, June 19, 2020, Singapore
On 15 June 2020, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced the transition to Phase Two of re-opening after 18 June 2020, 2359H. Most business activities will be allowed to resume subject to safe distancing measures.
In line with Phase Two of re-opening, the restriction of pleasure craft movements for leisure/cruising purposes within the port limits of Singapore will be lifted from 19 June 2020, pursuant to section 43(c) of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Act.
All pleasure craft1 when operating must comply with the safe distancing measures. Any gathering onboard the pleasure craft should not exceed five persons. This does not include the master/crew employed to operate the craft. All personnel onboard shall practise safe distancing by keeping at least one metre apart.
The pleasure craft should institute SafeEntry for contact tracing purposes. If SafeEntry is not possible, the craft must maintain a record of the passenger and crew manifest. In addition, temperature screening3 and checks on visible respiratory symptoms must be conducted before any person boards the craft. Persons with fever and/or who appear unwell should not board the craft and should seek medical attention immediately.
Pleasure craft licensed for commercial use (prefix SZH) operating dining cruises are required to comply with the measures for Food & Beverage Establishments, where applicable.
Social responsibility is critical in slowing the transmission of the virus. We urge everyone to uphold good personal hygiene and safe distancing measures such as washing hands regularly, wearing a mask when leaving the house, avoid outdoor activities if feeling unwell and see a doctor to prevent any potential transmission of illness to others. The SafeEntry should be used when required and one should check in and out using the TraceTogether application. Seniors who are especially vulnerable, should continue to exercise caution and stay at home as much as possible. More details on the safety measures to be taken can be found at https://www.gov.sg/article/moving-into-phase-2-what-activities-can-resume
(For information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)
Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Circular No.28 of 2020 dated 18 June 2020
Measures to support seafarers on Singapore-registered ships in light of COVID-19 restrictions
Friday, June 19, 2020, Singapore
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) recognises that due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Singapore-registered ships (SRS) may be faced with challenges relating to expired crew contracts, crew change and repatriation of seafarers at ports.
MPA allows, on a case-by-case basis, ship owners and managers of SRS to extend the Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEA) of seafarers who are not able to be repatriated due to travel restrictions imposed at the ports where their ships call. The extension of the seafarers’ SEA must be made in accordance with Regulation 2.1 of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006. The SEA shall be agreed to by the seafarer under conditions which ensure that the seafarer has an opportunity to review and seek advice on the terms and conditions in the agreement and freely accepts them before signing. During the extension period granted by MPA, the ship owner or manager must continue to attempt to repatriate the seafarers at all possible opportunities during each port call.
SRS owners and managers with seafarers on extended contracts on board must update MPA at mmo@mpa.gov.sg with information of the extended contracts and the repatriation plan.
MPA is aware that SRS owners and managers may face difficulties in repatriating their seafarers at foreign ports. Where possible, MPA will assist by contacting the relevant port authority/authorities to seek the authority/authorities’ consideration to allow crew change at its/their port. SRS owners and managers who require MPA’s assistance may write in to mmo@mpa.gov.sg. Please provide details of the situation and difficulties encountered.
MPA recognises the importance of crew change to safeguard the health and safety of seafarers sailing on board ships. MPA has been approving crew change applications from SRS so long as they meet the special circumstances in PMC No.26 of 2020. Moving forward, given the high volume of applications, MPA will accord priority to crew change for SRS. MPA will facilitate all SRS to carry out crew change in the Port of Singapore, regardless of their purpose of call, provided they meet all prevailing requirements.
Ship owners/managers/agents should apply for crew change in Singapore by filling up the online form at www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/port-ofsingapore/operations/crew-change. Ship owners/ managers/ agents may refer to PMC 27 of 2020 for the latest requirements on crew change in the port of Singapore.
(For information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)
Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Shipping Circular No.13 of 2020 dated 18 June 2020
Suspension of operations at Berth No.17(O)
Friday, June 19, 2020, Haldia, India
For undertaking certain maintenance on urgent basis, berthing of vessels at Berth No. 17(O) (erstwhile HOJ-II), will remain suspended after sailing of ship from the jetty in the DAY tide on 22 June 2020.
Subsequently, berthing of ships at the said jetty will resume from the scheduled berthing time in DAY tide on 25 June 2020. All users of Berth No. 17(O) are requested to be guided by the above and plan their vessels accordingly.
Inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.
(For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com)
Source: Kolkata Port Trust Circular No.GCB/TO/S/3/197 dated 18 June 2020
Submarine cable maintenance works at Ap Lei Chau & Lamma Island
Friday, June 19, 2020, Hong Kong
For approximately 5 months, submarine cable maintenance works are being carried out in the following works areas:
WORKS AREA 1
This area is bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (C) and the adjacent shoreline:
(A) 22 deg. 14.572’N / 114 deg. 08.752’E
(B) 22 deg. 14.563’N / 114 deg. 08.666’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 co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (D) to (G) and the adjacent shoreline:
(D) 22 deg. 13.702’N / 114 deg. 07.338’E
(E) 22 deg. 13.739’N / 114 deg. 07.376’E
(F) 22 deg. 13.657’N / 114 deg. 07.468’E
(G) 22 deg. 13.622’N / 114 deg. 07.433’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 of the anchors extending from the lighters.
The hours of work are from 0800 to 1800 hours. No works will be carried out on Sundays and public holidays. Vessels employed for the works will stay in the works areas outside the hours of work.
Diving operations will be carried out from time to time during the hours of work.
Vessels engaged in the operations will display signals as prescribed in international and local regulations.
Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution and keep clear of the works areas at slow speed, bearing in mind there are divers working in the works areas.
(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.845/2020
Physical Barrier Reinstatement Works at Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter
Friday, June 19, 2020, Hong Kong
For approximately 6 months, physical barrier reinstatement works are being carried out within the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (F) and the adjacent breakwater:
(A) 22 deg. 17.177’N / 114 deg. 13.689’E
(B) 22 deg. 17.155’N / 114 deg. 13.679’E
(C) 22 deg. 17.168’N / 114 deg. 13.647’E
(D) 22 deg. 17.202’N / 114 deg. 13.664’E
(E) 22 deg. 17.197’N / 114 deg. 13.677’E
(F) 22 deg. 17.193’N / 114 deg. 13.675’E
The works are being carried out by one dumb lighter. One tugboat will provide assistance.
A working area of approximately 15 metres around the lighter is established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights are laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the lighter.
The hours of work are from 0700 to 1900 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 and keep clear of the works area at slow speed, bearing in mind there are divers working in the works area.
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.82/2020
India Gas Exchange launched
Friday, June 19, 2020, India
India has launched its first ever Gas Trading Exchange, INDIA GAS EXCHANGE (IGX). It is the first nationwide online delivery based gas trading platform and will enable all foreign players to sell directly to domestic customers.
The aim is to gradually move towards deregulation of gas prices and encourage investment in gas infrastructure in India as the Government seeks to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix to 15% from the current 6.2% by 2030.
Initially, IGX is expected to facilitate trading in LNG – mainly cheaper spot LNG volumes available in the market. It will allow buyers and sellers to trade both in the spot and forward markets. Pricing will be based on demand and supply rather than based on formulae and benchmark prices. Gas hubs have been set up at Dahej, Hazira and Kakinada.
Imported LNG will be degasified and sold to buyers through the exchange.
The gas exchange will focus on the spot market. There will be daily, weekly and fortnightly contracts and the maximum tenure of the contracts is up to one month long.
Domestically produced natural gas will not be sold through IGX as the price for the same is decided by the Government.
Meanwhile, LNG vessel arrivals at India’s re-gasification terminals have improved since the lockdown began to be relaxed. Arrivals are certain to pick up in the next 5-6 months as demand for natural gas is expected to quickly return to original levels.
For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com
International arrivals (update)
Friday, June 19, 2020, Greece
Until 30 June, international flights are only allowed to land in Greece at Athens and Thessaloniki International Airports.
Flights from/to Turkey are postponed as well as any sea, trail, road connections.
Flights from/to the UK remain postponed until 30 June.
With the exception of Athens International Airport, flights from/to Italy, Albania, North Macedonia are also postponed as well as any sea, trail, road connections.
Again with the exception of Athens International Airport, flights from/to Spain are postponed.
Non-EU citizens are temporarily refused entry to the country until 30 June.
Anyone arriving in Greece from high risk countries in List A published by EU Aviation Security Agency will undergo on full laboratory examinations and will remain in quarantine for one day from their arrival, until results are out. For all arrivals from low risk countries in List B published by EU Aviation Security Agency, random laboratory tests will be conducted.
At Athens Airport, full laboratory examinations are conducted for the flights arriving from Albania, Belgium, France, Italy, North Macedonia, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. For other EU countries, random tests will be conducted.
At Thessaloniki Airport, flights from Albania, Belgium, France, Italy, N. Macedonia, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden are postponed until 30 June. For other EU countries, COVID-19 examinations are conducted for all passengers.
In case of a positive test result, the person will be quarantined for 14 days and further instructions will be provided by Authorities/National Public Health Organisation.
As this only concerns only arrivals in Greece, any off-signing crewmember can sign off as long as there is a flight on the same day direct to their home country with no deviations, and the vessel is still in the area. In cases when an off-signer will not be relieved/replaced, they should not be counted as the vessel’s Minimum Safe Manning.
This is an ongoing situation, subject to possible change by the Authorities. The next fresh announcements are expected on 1 July.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Greece, contact GAC Greece at greece@gac.com