Port of Antwerp taskforce confirms port is 100% operations
Published by Jessica Casey,
Editor
Dry Bulk,
At the moment, port operations are functioning efficiently. There is sufficient manpower to meet the demand for foodstuffs and supply operations are continuing normally. The EU’s ‘green lanes’ for truck transport are now working better at European level and directives are being drawn up specifically for the barge industry. The economic impact on the port is getting increasingly difficult to forecast given the uncertainty about how consumer confidence and industrial activity will return and what the effect on the logistics chain will be.
The Port of Antwerp COVID-19 taskforce has recently held its third meeting. This multi-disciplinary, cross-border taskforce brings together various members across the port organisation. It was set up to monitor the day-to-day operation of the port with a view to taking additional measures where necessary.
Port platform remains operational
At the moment, the port platform is still working well and there are no insurmountable problems. The rate of absence due to illness is decreasing throughout the chain of transport. The EU has also introduced ‘green lanes’ to help efficiently keep Europe supplied.
At the same time, a directive is being drawn up specifically for barge operators in case of illness on board. This directive will be published once it has been approved by the relevant authorities. The existing measures still continue to apply in the meantime.
Economic impact
The Port of Antwerp is not currently experiencing any fall in the volume of freight. In fact, there is a noticeable increase in the volume of pharmaceuticals and e-commerce. The supply of foodstuff is also going smoothly.
The large degree of uncertainty about the spread of the coronavirus and the effects on consumer confidence and the supply chains make it increasingly difficult to forecast the economic impact on the Port of Antwerp. The port will continue to monitor the situation and will respond to the demands of the logistics operator and the termianls.
Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/03042020/port-of-antwerp-taskforce-confirms-port-is-100-operations/
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