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  • The coronavirus continues to spread on a global scale.
  • With this, more ports are facing restrictions which impede their rate of trade. 
  • For the time being, the number of cases will likely increase, and the currently unrestricted locations will soon be restricted. 

Current Port Restrictions

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Country Updates 

China

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  • In China, all ports (except for Wuhan’s) are operating as normal. 
  • There are blank sailings and the capacity is limited.

Egypt 

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  • Authorities are keeping a close eye on vessels arriving from any country where the virus has been detected. 
  • Any vessels which fit this bill must apply for the vessels berthing at least four days ahead of its arrival so the necessary quarantine measure can be taken. 

France 

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  • France are also experiencing port restrictions. 
  • Like Egypt, they are monitoring where vessels have sailed from and taking any necessary quarantine measures. 
  • Vessels can berth as normal if no on-board cases have been declared by the vessel’s master, however. 

Germany 

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  • Hamburg is no longer allowing embarkation or disembarkation of vessels from shore side.

 India 

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  • Shipments are being accepted, but they are not allowed to arrive at the port before the 15th April, given the current situation. 
  • Any accepted shipments have a mandatory 21 days’ free detention period from the shipping line.

Ireland 

  • Ireland remains unrestricted at present, with all ports still in operation. 
  • The only requirement on vessels is that they must submit an Maritime Declaration of Health (MDOH) at least 24 hours prior to their arrival. 
  • All members of the crew must be healthy too.

Mauritius

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  • Vessels must provide a list of their 10 last ports of call. 
  • A full crew list must also be provided, along with a health update for each member. 
  • An MHOH must also be offered.

Netherlands 

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  • Vessels calling at Dutch ports must submit an MDOH prior to their arrival. 
  • Distancing protocol is being taken very seriously at ports. 
  • There are no restrictions in place on vessels wishing to enter the port however, apart from cruise ships. 

Spain 

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  • Spanish ports remain open, but they are facing restrictions. 
  • Only essential services are allowed onto the streets. 
  • You are permitted to travel alone to purchase food, medical supplies or visit the hospital. 
    • Offenders will be charged up to 600 Euros if they disobey these rules and the curfew. 

 Thailand 

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  • Delays are expected, but closures will not happen yet. 
  • Any vessels coming from infected countries must make this known to the port at least 24 hours ahead of their arrival. 
  • A record of the vessel’s master and crew members’ temperatures must be provided at least seven days prior to the arrival. 

Turkey 

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  • All vessels must send an MDOH at least 48 hours ahead of their arrival. 
  • Any vessels that have called in China, Italy, South Korea, Japan or Iraq in the last 14 days are not allowed to disembark at any Turkish ports. 
  • Vessels that have come from at-risk countries must also be inspected by the health authorities before pilots can board. 
  • Vessels must ensure the bridge is disinfected before the pilot boards as well.

United Arab Emirates 

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  • Any ship that has visited a Chinese port in the last 30 days must provide a health update for all the crew at least three days before their arrival. 

 USA 

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  • Delays are expected. 
  • No port closures have been organised or hinted at yet.