Hot Port News from GAC
18-Aug-2020
GUIDELINES ON SHIPS’ EXHAUST WASH WATER DISCHARGE
Saudi Arabia
COVID-19 UPDATE
Cape Town, South Africa
CREW CHANGE PROTOCOL DURING COVID-19
Fujairah, UAE
TROPICAL DEPRESSION AFFECTING HONG KONG
Hong Kong
MAINTENANCE AT ORYX PIER
Cotonou, Benin
COVID-19 ADDITIONAL SWAB TEST REQUIREMENTS
Ras Laffan, Qatar
COVID-19 UPDATE (18 AUGUST)
Cape Town
COVID-19 UPDATE (18 AUGUST)
Grand Bahama
COVID-19 UPDATE (18 AUGUST)
Port Elizabeth
VESSEL CREW CHANGES
Ras Al Khaimah
MARINE FORECAST
Bahamas
Guidelines on ships’ exhaust wash water discharge
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Saudi Arabia
According to MAWANI Saudi Ports Authority’s Circular No.55 of 2020, ships’ exhaust wash water by open loop Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) is not allowed to be discharged in Saudi ports until an environmental standard is issued in this regard.
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Saudi Arabia, contact GAC Saudi Arabia at dammam@gac.com)
Source: Mawani Saudi Ports Authority Circular No. (55) 2020
COVID-19 update
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Cape Town, South Africa
PORT STATUS
Port is fully operation, however priority is given to vessels carrying essential cargo. The government has announced that country restriction level has been reduced to 2 from midnight of 18 August 2020. This will allow for more economic activity.
Port is 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 they are required to wear the necessary PPE.
Bunkering is proceeding as normal. Bunkers is supplied via pipeline and barge.
OPLs / SHIPS SPARES
Off port limit operations are permitted only for supplying of provisions/stores and ships spares.
Ships spares operations 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
Crew change remains restricted across all South African ports. The government has issued a notice that crew change has been permitted from 1 August 2020. However, port authorities have advised that until a directive is received from their head office, crew change remains restricted. Presently, there remains no international flights due to the current pandemic.
Port authorities will only permit crew change provided that approval is received from DIRCO. Approval from DIRCO can only be obtained via the embassy of crew nationality within South Africa. This approval can only be received if chartered flights can be arranged on the same day of embarkation/disembarkation.
PORT AUTHORITIES
Immigrations office are open between 0700-1900hrs (local time). No attendance onboard until further notice. All arrival/sailing documents are to be submitted to agent for submission to immigrations.
Customs offices are operating between 0700-2000hrs (local time) 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)
Crew change protocol during COVID-19
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Fujairah, UAE
The Port of Fujairah has advised that the Immigration Department will accept passports with less than six months’ validity for the issuance of 96 hours seaman visa during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Fujairah, contact GAC Fujairah at fujairah@gac.com
Source: Port of Fujairah’s Notice to Agent 65/2020
Tropical depression affecting Hong Kong
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Hong Kong
Under the influence of the outer rainbands associated with the tropical depression, there are squally showers over coastal waters of Guangdong. According to the current forecast track, the tropical depression will skirt within about 200 kilometres to the southwest of Hong Kong tonight and tomorrow morning. Local winds are expected to strengthen gradually later today. Seas will be rough with swells. The Observatory will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal, No. 3 this afternoon to this evening.
For information about operations in Hong Kong, contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com
Maintenance at Oryx pier
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Cotonou, Benin
For a period of one month from 22 August, Oryx pier (shared by the 3 terminals – Oryx, Puma and OSPP) will be closed for maintenance. Vessels will be allowed to berth during this period after 6 pm.
(For information about operations in Benin, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com)
Source: OMA Benin – GAC agent
Covid-19 additional swab test requirements
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Ras Laffan, Qatar
Ras Laffan port authorities have issued the following additional requirements:
These protocols are also applicable to personnel needing to board offshore support vessels at cargo berths and these personnel must visit the Laffan Offshore Terminal access control centre (next to New Service berth 12) to register.
rew changes carried out at the cargo berths.
No pass applications can be submitted to port unless the agent can ensure compliance.
Vessels at Offshore Support BAses must also comply with 1 and 2 above.
Swab test centres are located at Ras Laffan Port Medical Centre (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday), Al Madina Clinic, Ras Laffan City (Saturday, Monday, Wednesday) and Doha Heliport Clinic (7 days per week)
For further details of the protocols, as well as information about operations in Qatar, contact GAC Qatar at qatar@gac.com
COVID-19 Update (18 August)
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Cape Town
PORT STATUS
Port is fully operation, however giving priority to vessels carrying essential cargo. The government has announced the country restriction level will be reduced to 2 from midnight. This will allow for more economic 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 are 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
Crew change remains restricted across all South African ports. The government has issued a notice that crew change has been permitted from 1st August 2020. However port authorities have advised until a directive has been received from their head office, crew change remains restricted. Presently there remain no international flights due to the current pandemic.
Port authorities will only permit crew change on basis approval is received from DIRCO. Approval from DIRCO can only be obtained via the embassy of crew nationality within South Africa. This approval can only be received if chartered flights can be arranged on the same day of embarkation/disembarkation.
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)
COVID-19 Update (18 August)
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Grand Bahama
As announced by The Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Grand Bahama remains on extended lockdown for an additional seven (7) days as of today’s date.
(For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the Bahamas, contact the GAC Dubai Hub Agency Centre at hub.ae@gac.com)
COVID-19 Update (18 August)
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Port Elizabeth
PORT STATUS
Ports of Ngqura and Port Elizabeth are open and fully operational.
Harbour masters permission is required prior to vessels docking.
Bunker surveyors are permitted to board vessels at anchorage under strict SOP.
Garbage is permitted to be landed in port subject to harbour master approval.
Strict port authority regulations have been implemented for all port users.
Ports are currently operating on ISPS level 2.
South Africa is currently on level 2 lockdown status and will allow for more economic activity.
PEBOT (PORT ELIZABETH BULK ORE TERMINAL)
This terminal is operating at a 60% effective level over the 1 berth with 2 day shifts and no night shift.
PECT (PORT ELIZABETH CONTAINER TERMINAL)
Please note that the port of Port Elizabeth has x 2 mobile cranes available.
Limited Operations over the 2 berths. Berths 102 and 103.
PEMPT (PORT ELIZABETH MULTI-PURPOSE TERMINAL)
Berth 11 is exclusively being used for the export of Citrus Fruit.
The port has allowed for all cargoes to be worked through this facility inclusive of manganese ore.
Berthing congestion can be expected.
Wheat, breakbulk cargo and cement imports are ongoing.
Export Season of Citrus Fruit is currently ongoing.
NCT (PORT OF NGQURA CONTAINER TERMINAL)
Port of Ngqura ( Coega ) is open and operational for all vessels.
Export of Bulk Manganese Ore and Import of Cement is ongoing at the Finger Jetty terminal.
STS operations are currently ongoing at the Finger Jetty terminal.
TANKER BERTHS (PORT ELIZABETH TANKER TERMINAL)
Tanker operations are ongoing. This Facility is currently be used for the handling of LPG / ULP products.
OPL’S
OPL jobs are ongoing at present with some ease of restrictions, essential services are considered as 1st preference IE spare parts/provisions & stores etc.
CREW CHANGES
Port authorities advise restrictions remain in place until a procedure is established.
STOWAWAY SEARCH – ONBOARD
Stowaway Searches via shore team have now been Approved under strict control of their SOP.
SHIP SPARES
Ongoing as per normal delays can be expected with consignments stuck in countries where flights are restricted.
OFFSHORE BUNKERING
Ongoing as per normal. Delays to bunkering can be expected due to adverse weather conditions.
CUSTOMS
Agents responsibility to liaise and pass all necessary clearances with customs working remotely.
IMMIGRATION
Immigration is attending to vessels, all official business is to be conducted by the ships gangway / 1st deck area or via the Agent.
NOTICES RECEIVED
Please contact GAC South Africa for the latest notices received from various authorities.
(For information about operations in South Africa, contact GAC South Africa at shipping.capetown@gac.com)
Vessel Crew Changes
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Ras Al Khaimah
NOTICE TO MARINERS:
ALL PORT USERS INCLUDING SHIP AGENTS, SHIP OWNERS, SHIP OPERATORS, SHIP MANAGERS AND SHIP MASTERS
Vessel Crew Changes Mechanisms and Requirements during COVID-19 Pandemic
In accordance with FTA UAE Circular No. 12/2020 “Adopting the Protocol of resuming UAE Maritime activities with safety measures and crew changes in UAE Ports and Waters”, the port authority has put in place a framework for the resumption of safe crew changes for seafarers with or without UAE resident visa, and their travel during COVID-19 pandemic.
The following procedure and requirements set by the port authority apply:
General Notes:
Agents are required to coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure the quick processing of crew transfers to and from ships and the airports.
Agents are required to ensure safe and swift disembarkation and crew change while seeking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for seafarers whether inbound, outbound, or transiting during crew change or repatriation.
Agents are required to undergo the required medical examinations in compliance with the preventive procedures and guidelines for the COVID 19 virus to preserve the health and safety of both the ship’s crew and relevant personnel.
As this decision comes largely in the interests of seafarers and relevant personnel, it is imperative that they comply with the COVID-19 guidelines and health protocols mandated by the UAE health authorities.
Crew Changes:
Agents are required to notify the relevant RAK Ports Tower 72 hours prior to vessel arrival and submit all relevant documentation.
Agent is required to contact RAK Ports 24 hours before and submit the following: a. The list of crew who will be changed. b. Travel information sheet including flight details. c. Undertaking letter (see attached form) addressed to RAK Ports Harbour Master in taking all the responsibilities of the crew changes from / to the vessel within UAE.
If applicable, the RAK Ports H&S Dept will contact the medical service provider to arrange for COVID-19 PCR test in addition to the thermal screening required for crew changes.
Following compliance with the above RAK Ports will provide NOC to the Agent, addressed to immigration office.
To complete crew changes clearance formalities, Agent is required to provide Immigration office with: a. Undertaking letter. b. Crew list and signing on/off crewmember’s details including flight information c. NOC issued by Port Authority. d. Copy of the vessel Maritime Declaration of Health.
Crew-Members: Shore Pass Procedures
24 hours shore passes may be permitted (to visit the city), for seafarers onboard yachts, recreational boats and ships which have been in the country for a period of more than 14 days, provided that they comply with the mandated health requirements in the UAE.
The agent should provide the seafarers with all Covid-19 pandemic relevant laws and precautionary measures to be followed when in the UAE and the importance of adhering to them.
In addition, agent should provide them with the information related to the penalties imposed in case of violation, and he should document their acknowledgment of receiving this information from him.
Notes
PCR test is required only for seafarers arriving and departing UAE across the border – Airports, Land and Seaports. This also applies to vessels that have been in the country for a period of less than 14 days.
Implementation of this direction shall take place with immediate effect.
Any queries relating to this direction should be directed to the Marine Department.
Maybe, we could arrange for IT to create one single Email address and have one single point of contact at Saqr for all RAK Ports?
Dry Docks and Ship Repairs Facilities should ensure compliance with the requirements in section 2 of “UAE Maritime Activities Return to Work Safely protocol”
(For information about operations in the UAE, contact GAC at abudhabi@gac.com, dubai@gac.com, fujairah@gac.com, rasalkhaimah@gac.com or sharjah@gac.com)
Source: RAK Ports Notice to Mariners No. 22 – 05th August 2020.
Marine Forecast
Tuesday, August 18, 2020, Bahamas
Convective Threat Increasing
There is a risk for waterspouts and/or strong to severe thunderstorms. Mariners should be alert for gusty winds and higher seas with heavier convection. Seas in exposed areas could be above three (3) feet in an ESE swell.
Buckeye Bahamas Hub Terminal – OPEN
Equinor South Riding Point Terminal – UNDER REPAIRS
Offshore Lightering – Weather Conditions UNFAVOURABLE for STS operations at Offshore, Freeport, Bahamas
(For information about operations in the Bahamas, contact the GAC Houston Hub Agency Center at hub.us@gac.com)
