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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.
From last week, the number of cases has increased, as more destinations face restrictions.

Country Updates

Algeria

The Coast Guard issued instruction that all vessels must be inspected by the sanitary services at ports and agents must send their Maritime Health Declaration before their vessel berths, as this shall be received from the Master with pre-arrival docs.

Brazil

As per the latest technical statement from the Ministry of Health issued on the 25th March 2020, all vessels will have to undergo a 14 day quarantine before arriving or berthing at a port.
A Medical Logbook is also required before Free Pratique is issued, which will be subject to analysis by port health.

China

Expected Closures: No

Expected Delays: No

All ports are operating as normal. This includes loading, berthing and unberthing. The loading/discharging operation is slower, due to lack of stevedores.
Affected ports include Shanghai, Tianjin, Huanghua, Lianyungang, Jingtang and Caofeidian.
Unaffected ports include Dalian, Qingdao, Xiamen and Guangzhou.

Egypt

Expected Closures: No

Expected Delays: Yes

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 vessel’s berthing at least four days ahead of its arrival so the necessary quarantine measure can be taken.

France

Expected Closures: No

Expected Delays: Yes

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

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

India

1^stApril 2020: The following Indian ports have all declared ‘Force Majeure’ to ensure any unforeseen delays in the delivery of cargoes and other port-related services do not affect their commercial contracts with port users:
All 44 ports are under The Gujarat Maritime Board: Kakinada Anchorage Port, Kolkata, Haldia, Paradip, Paradip International Cargo Terminal, Kawar Port, Dhamra, Karaikal, Gopalpur, Gangavaram, Krishnapatnam, Kandla, Kandla International Container Terminal , Adani Ports at Mundra, Tuna, Hazira and Dahej, Angre, the JSW and JSWIL ports at Goa, APM terminals at JN port (Nhava Sheva).

Ireland

Ireland remains unrestricted at present, with all ports still in operation.
The only requirement on vessels is that they must submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDOH) at least 24 hours prior to their arrival.

Mauritius

Expected Closures: No

Expected Delays: Yes

Mozambique

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

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.

Singapore

Singapore’s shipyards and marine industries look set to suspend work for a month as the Government closes all workplaces, except for those in essential services and key economic sectors, to close in the fight against COVID-19.
The measures are to take effect from next Tuesday (7^th April) and be in place for one month until 4^th May.

Spain

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

Delays are expected, but closures will not happen yet.
Any vessels coming 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

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

Expected Restrictions: Yes

Major shipping lines continue to operate as normal into the UAE with the usual impact of blank sailings. The feeders’ services within the region has not been largely affected,however, rates have been impacted with GRI equipment imbalance surcharges on certain trade lanes.
Shipping lines are currently only working on spot or FAK rates.
The Port and Customs Authorities continue to work as normal, so the flow of cargo has not yet been affected.

USA