Hot Port News from GAC
26-Aug-2020
SUSPENSION OF VESSEL TRAFFIC
Bosphorus, Turkey
COVID-19 UPDATES (26 AUGUST)
Indonesia
HURRICANE LAURA INTENSIFIES
Texas & Louisiana, United States
BUCKEYE PORT REOPENED
Buckeye, Bahamas
COVID-19 UPDATE (26 AUGUST)
Cape Town
Suspension of vessel traffic
Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Bosphorus, Turkey
Vessel traffic at Bosphorus will be suspended from 12:00 to 16:00 hours local time on 29 August 2020 due to yacht race (Tayk Olympos Cup).
For information about operations in the Turkish Straits, contact GAC Turkey at turkey@gac.com
COVID-19 updates (26 August)
Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Indonesia
The Indonesian Government has reopened flights with new normal procedures in the Covid-19 pandemic era. Passengers must attach the Covid-19 test results to board the plane.
All other restrictions previously advised remain the same.
Domestic and international flights are still available only at Cengkareng International Airport. Batam Airport is only for domestic and cargo flights.
Material deliveries can be made at the Nipah Island Anchorage Area. To obtain port clearance, vessels must state their destination as “Nipah Island/Tanjung Balai Karimun, Indonesia”.
Crew changes are still possible in Nipah, Galang and Tanjung Balai Karimun only.
On-signers
The Indonesian Government has suspended its Visa exemption policy for short stay visit, visa on arrival and diplomatic/service visa, until further notice.
Foreign crew joining must hold Indonesia transit visa index 211 applied in their original country or a country nearer to their location.
All foreigners / travellers who wish to visit Indonesia must obtain a Visa from Indonesia Embassy with details of the purpose of their visit. Upon submission, applicants must provide a health certificate issued by relevant health authorities from their respective countries.
Off-signers
Crew sign off is possible as long as the crew members are proven to be in good health by means of a health certificate and is subject to flight availability.
Note:
The nearest domestic airport is Hang Nadim airport (BTH) in Batam.
The nearest international airport is Soekarno Hatta Airport (CGK) in Jakarta.
It takes two hours by boat from Nipah anchorage to Batam port (boat station).
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Indonesia, contact PT Andhika GAC at shipping.indonesia@gac.com
Hurricane Laura intensifies
Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Texas & Louisiana, United States
Hurricane Laura continues to rapidly intensify over the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to make landfall late tonight or early Thursday as a major hurricane near the Texas-Louisiana border.
For information about operations in the Americas, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com
Buckeye Port reopened
Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Buckeye, Bahamas
With Hurricane Laura having passed, Buckeye Bahamas Hub reopened yesterday at 1854 hrs local time.
For information about operations in the Bahamas, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com
Source: Elnet Maritime – GAC agent
COVID-19 Update (26 August)
Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Cape Town
PORT STATUS
Port is fully operation, however giving priority to vessels carrying essential cargo. The government have reduced restriction level to 2 as of the 18th August. Increasing economy activity.
Port operating under Maritime Security level 2. Vessels to specify on Paragraph J what they are going to do at the Port on their PAN application.
No persons allowed to board vessels, unless on official business and must wear necessary PPE.
Bunkering is proceeding as normal. Bunkers is supplied via pipeline and barge.
OPL’S / SHIPS SPARES
Off port limit operations are permitted only for supplying of provisions/stores & ships spares.
Ships spares are ongoing, however shipments need to be booked and dispatched early as there are limited flights. At this stage there are still no direct flights to Cape Town, shipments are routed via Johannesburg.
CREW CHANGE
Please contact GAC South Africa for their crew change guidelines within the country.
PORT AUTHORITIES
The Immigrations office is open between 0700-1900lt. No attendance onboard until further notice. All arrival/sailing documents submitted to agent and submitted to immigrations.
Customs offices are operating between 0700-2000lt remotely. All clearances are sent via email. Electronic clearance will be issued to vessels until further notice.
Port Health will clear all in port vessels before any interaction with the vessel.
(For information about operations in South Africa, contact GAC South Africa at shipping.capetown@gac.com)
