Hot Port News from GAC
17-Apr-2020
DRAFT ENHANCEMENT FOR MAY 2020
Paradip, India
ADDITIONAL COVID-19 MEASURES ANNOUNCED
Singapore
ELEVATED SAFE DISTANCING MEASURES FOR PASSENGER CARRYING HARBOUR CRAFT
Singapore
PORTS STATUS UPDATE
Yemen
SUBMARINE CABLE MAINTENANCE WORKS AT JUNK BAY
Hong Kong
10-DAY BAN STARTS
Libya
FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS EXTENDED
Greece
PROTECTIVE MEASURES AGAINST COVID-19
Kiel Canal, Germany
PORT RESPONSE TO NATIONWIDE LOCKDOWN
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Draft enhancement for May 2020
Friday, April 17, 2020, Paradip, India
The draft at following berths are hereby temporarily enhanced as follows for the month of May 2020, considering prevailing weather and tidal conditions:
Berth No.5 (CB-1)
0000 hrs on 1 May to 2400 hrs on 2 May – Permissible draft: 15.00 metres
0000 hrs on 12 May to 2400 hrs on 21 May – Permissible draft 15.00 metres
0000 hrs on 26 May to 2400 hrs on 31 May – Permissible draft: 15.00 metres
Berth No.4 (IOB)
0000 hrs on 1 May to 2400 hrs on 2 May – Permissible draft: 13.20 metres
0000 hrs on 12 May to 2400 hrs on 21 May – Permissible draft 13.20 metres
0000 hrs on 26 May to 2400 hrs on 31 May – Permissible draft: 13.20 metres
The above notice is purely temporary and can be withdrawn at any time without prior information due to sudden change in weather conditions.
Draft for other days for the above berths and draft for other berths shall remain as per the original notification.
(For information about operations in India, contact GAC India at india@gac.com)
Source: Paradip Port Trust Marine Department Notice dated 15 April 2020
Additional COVID-19 measures announced
Friday, April 17, 2020, Singapore
Singapore’s Ministry of Health has announced additional stringent measures for COVID-19.
This circular brings to your attention the requirements for operators of harbor craft and pleasure craft, and vessels in port to comply with the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. All requirements in the Regulations must be complied with, and the following are highlighted for your attention:
a) Every individual must wear a mask when not in his or her ordinary place of resident. However, he or she need not wear the mask when carrying out, in the course of employment, an activity that requires that no mask may be worn or that the mask must be removed to carry out that activity. Examples of such activity are welding and diving.
b) Only essential service providers are permitted to operate, within the conditions in the Regulations. Part 3A of the Regulations, entitled “REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO ESSENTIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS AND ESSENTIAL SERVICE WORKERS” apply particularly to essential service providers.
There are also requirements on the occupier of permitted premises, i.e. premises where an essential service provider ordinarily carries on its business or work, such as taking body temperature and contact details of individuals entering the permitted premises.
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)
Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Circular No. 23 of 2020 dated 16 April 2020
Elevated safe distancing measures for passenger carrying harbour craft
Friday, April 17, 2020, Singapore
Since February 2020, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has issued a series of Port Marine Circulars advising the shipping community on precautionary measures to minimise the spread of COVID-19.
On 14 April 2020, Singapore’s Ministry of Health has announced additional stringent measures for COVID-19. It is now mandatory for all persons to wear a mask when leaving their home. All crew and passengers who are onboard any harbour craft are reminded to wear a mask for their entire journey.
In addition, with the implementation of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce’s elevated set of safe distancing measures on 10 Apr 2020, the MPA will require owners and operators of passenger carrying harbour craft to adopt the following additional safe distancing measures with immediate effect, until these measures are lifted as advised by MOH or MPA.
a) Review the maximum seating capacity for each harbour craft, to ensure that seats are at least one meter apart.
b) Mark out with labels or other demarcation for passengers to identify an appropriate location to sit.
c) Communicate to passengers to ensure effective implementation of these safe distancing measures.
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at singapore@gac.com)
Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Circular No. 22 of 2020 dated 16 April 2020
Ports status update
Friday, April 17, 2020, Yemen
The following Yemeni ports/terminals are open and operating as normal with no known security issues:
Aden
Rudhum Oil Terminal
Mukalla
Ash Shihr Oil Terminal
Nishtun
Hodeidah
Saleef
Cargo monitoring surveys are recommended as shortage/damage claims are not uncommon.
Chikungunya and dengue fever viral infections are widely spread. Ships’ crew are recommended to avoid mosquito bites.
The below ports/terminals are closed:
Balhaf LNG Terminal
Mukha
Ras Isa Marine Terminal
Ras Isa Petroleum Products Reception Facility
For further details and information about operations in Yemen, contact GAC Yemen at yemen@gac.com
Submarine cable maintenance works at Junk Bay
Friday, April 17, 2020, Hong Kong
Submarine cable maintenance works [are underway] in the area bounded by straight lines joining the following co-ordinates (WGS 84 Datum) from (A) to (D):
(A) 22 deg. 16.970’N / 114 deg. 15.820’E
(B) 22 deg. 16.970’N / 114 deg. 15.940’E
(C) 22 deg. 16.860’N / 114 deg. 15.940’E
(D) 22 deg. 16.860’N / 114 deg. 15.820’E
The works [are being] carried out by two dumb lighters and one work boat. One tugboat provides 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 0700 to 1900 hours. No works are 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.
(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. 53/2020
10-day ban starts
Friday, April 17, 2020, Libya
Libya’s Supreme Committee against the emerging Corona Virus has announced a total movement ban on vehicle movement starting today, Friday 17 April, for a period of 10 days. This was based on the high number of infections in the country.
Goods vehicles and ambulances are exempt. Individuals may walk alone between the hours of 8am to 2pm, adhering to safety procedures requiring the wearing of masks. Gatherings of all kinds are forbidden.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Libya, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com
Flight restrictions extended
Friday, April 17, 2020, Greece
The Hellenic National Civil Aviation Authority has announced the extension of the following restrictions and measures:
All passenger flights from/to any Italian/Spanish/Turkish/British airport are postponed until 23:59 hours local time on 15 May.
Passenger flights from/to any airport in Germany and Netherlands are postponed until 23:59 hours local time on 15. The only flights from Germany permitted are to Athens International Airport.
Flights for cargo, sanitary, humanitarian, ferry, state, emergency, overflights, refueling and the repatriation of Greek citizens are exempt from the above.
The Greek Ministries of Citizen Protection, Health, and Interior have decided to temporarily refuse entry to the country for third countries nationals by any mean (including, air, sea, rail, road transportation). This above does not affect citizens of EU countries and those within the Schengen Agreement, including their spouses or the people they have entered into a civil partnership with, as well as their children (minors). This measure remains in force until 23:59 local time on 15 May.
The following are exempted:
Medical, health care workers (as long as they hold their professional license or any other proof at the entry points and there is the pre-requirement for their immediate integration to the National Healthcare System).
Those who are long stay residents in EU countries or those of Schengen Agreement and citizens of third countries who are holders of valid residence permit for EU countries or those of Schengen Agreement.
Members of Government missions.
Members of Diplomatic or Consulate authorities and missions, members of International and European Organizations, members of Humanitarian organizations while performing their duties, military and executives of security bodies.
Drivers of cargo trucks for cargo transportation as well as the absolute necessary auxiliary staff required for the transportation.
Passengers in transit.
Residents of third countries subject to refusal can apply to the Greek Consulate authority in their residence country to obtain a special permission to enter Greek for professional or personal reasons.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Greece, contact GAC Greece at greece@gac.com
Protective measures against COVID-19
Friday, April 17, 2020, Kiel Canal, Germany
Transits through the Kiel Canal are still possible without any delays, on a 24/7 basis, with several anti-COVID19 measures in place to protect ships and their crew passing through the Canal.
To limit possible risks and protect the Master and crew, clerks are instructed to follow strict hygiene restrictions placed in our offices/working places. Water clerks are instructed NOT to board vessels, but instead to handle all necessary paperwork at the gangway in the locks. If the captain wishes water clerks to board, they will do so protective clothing (respirator mask, rubber gloves and disinfectant).
Other boarding teams like pilots and helmsmen are equipped with medical gloves and respirator masks to minimize risk for all parties concerned.
(For information about operations in Germany, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com)
Source: Sartori & Berger, Germany – GAC agent
Port response to nationwide lockdown
Friday, April 17, 2020, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
In response to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, the port of Port Elizabeth shall operate under the Harbour Master’s Instruction and Berthing Guidelines, which are summarised below.
The COVID-19 Regulations necessitates that preference be afforded to the movement of essential goods, and in alignment thereto the Port of Port Elizabeth has formulated the following berthing guidelines which will be effective immediately and shall apply during the lockdown.
As a general guide, preferential berthing will be afforded to all Container Vessels.
Container Vessels will therefore be afforded preference ahead of Manganese Vessels and all other Vessels irrespective of the “first come first serve” principle and IPMS Booking System, at the Container Terminal Berths (PECT) as well as at the RoRo Berth, and MPT Berths. This is on condition that these Container Vessels can be safely worked at these berths and that there are no draft or any other limitations and / or restrictions.
Shipping & Cargo flows will be prioritized as follows: Container Vessels, Tanker Vessels, Vessels handling Agricultural Products, RORO Vessels, Manganese Vessel (Bulk), Multi-Purpose Terminal Vessels, and Other Vessels (e.g. Bunkers, Repairs, Tugs, Research, etc).
These guidelines shall apply for the duration of the COVID 19 lockdown and any changes and/or deviations therefrom shall only be permitted by the Port of Port Elizabeth Harbour Master. Should you require any additional information or have any queries in this regard, please feel free to contact Captain Brynn Adamson on his mobile phone on 083 299 1776.
During the COVID- 19 lockdown the Port of Port Elizabeth shall, in consultation with, and confirmation from all the relevant port operators, offer the following service levels:
1. Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) will operate as normal on a 24/7 basis.
2. Pilotage: 1 Pilot Boat and 1 Pilot will be available when shipping demands these services.
3. Tugs: 2 tugs will be available when shipping and operations demands a service. In cases where there are no confirmed shipping movements only 1 fully manned Tug will be on standby on a 24/7 basis.
4. Berthing: 1 gang will be available when shipping and operations demands a service.
5. Port Elizabeth Container Terminal (PECT) – Limited Operations over the 2 berths.
6. Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) – Limited Operations across 4 berths.
7. Bulk Ore Terminal (BOT) – this terminal is operating at a 60% effective level over the 1 berth with 2 day shifts and no night shift.
8. Liquid Bulk Tanker Berth – this facility continues to operate as normal for all liquid bulk products.
9. Automotive Terminal (RORO) – Limited Operations across 1 Berth.
10. Bunkering, Repairs and Off Port Limit Operations – Normal Operations except that no crew changes are allowed.
11. Slipway / Boat Hoist: will be available as and when required.
12. Port Infrastructure Maintenance call outs will operate as normal on a 24/7 basis.
All Service providers should arrange their own Permits to Perform Essential Service (as encapsulated in Regulation 11B (3)). When entering the TNPA Port of Port Elizabeth and its facilities, Port Users will be required to present this permit as well as their TNPA Port access card and/or their South African Identity Document…
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in South Africa, contact GAC South Africa at shipping.capetown@gac.com)
Source: Extract from Transnet National Ports Authority, Port Elizabeth, Notice dated 16 April 2020
