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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
Country Updates
China
- In China, all ports (except for Wuhan’s) are operating as normal.
- There are blank sailings and the capacity is limited.
Egypt
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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 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
- 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
- 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
- Delays are expected.
- No port closures have been organised or hinted at yet.