COVID-19 declaration by Port Authorities Roundtable
Published by Jessica Casey,
Editor
Dry Bulk,
Members of the Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR) recognise the COVID-19 pandemic as a serious global crisis that has far-reaching impact on many fronts, including global trade. As more than 80% of goods are transported via sea-lanes, PAR recognises that the port and maritime sector play a crucial role in keeping trade flows open in the global fight against COVID-19.
The authorities also acknowledge the recent statement made by International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasising the importance of minimising the disruption to maritime trade and shipping activities so that vital goods, especially necessities and essential medical supplies, can continue to flow seamlessly across different regions in the world.
As a multilateral platform consisting of leading port authorities across Asia, Middle East, Europe and the Americas, members of the PAR would like to declare a commitment to collaborate closely, through the sharing of best practices and implemented measures, such that the ports remain open to seaborne trade to help sustain the world and support the fight against COVID-19.
It is therefore committed to work together and strive to:
- Keep global supply chain and trade/cargo going, and that merchant ships can continue to berth at terminals to carry out cargo operations.
- Facilitate closer coordination by establishing an open communication channel so that like-minded port and maritime authorities can share experiences/exchange information in combating COVID-19 while safeguarding unimpeded maritime trade.
- Continue to adopt best practices according to national circumstances, including precautionary measures for shipping community, advisories and assistance for shore personnel and ship crew, safe handling of cargoes and measures taken in dealing with COVID-19 cases.
Finally, PAR would also like to express its appreciation to seafarers, harbour pilots, shore-based workers and the maritime community who have worked tirelessly amidst the on-going pandemic in enabling international trade to continue during these challenging times.
Signed by:
| Name & Designation | Port Authority |
Captain Maktoum Al Houqani; Chief Corporate Authority Officer | Abu Dhabi Ports |
Mr Jacques Vandermeiren; CEO | Antwerp Port Authority |
Ms Hiromi Furuya; Director General | Bureau of Port and Harbour, Tokyo Metropolitan Government |
Mr Ki-chan Nam; President | Busan Port Authority |
Mr Chen Hongxian; Director General | Guangzhou Port Authority |
Mr Jens Meier; CEO | Hamburg Port Authority |
Ms Quah Ley Hoon; Chief Executive | Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore |
Sylvie Vachon; CEO | Montreal Port Authority |
Mr Xu Qiang; Director General | Ningbo Municipal Port Administration Bureau |
Mr Bundit Sakonwisawa; Managing Director | Port Authority of Thailand (Bangkok Port) |
Mr Santiago Garcia-Mila; Subdirector General | Port of Barcelona |
Mr Hiroya Nakano; Director General | Port and Harbour Bureau, City of Yokohama |
Mr Hideyuki Tsuji; Director General | Port and Harbour Bureau, Kobe City Government |
Captain K Subramaniam; General Manager | Port of Kiang Authority |
Mr Mario Cordero; Executive Director | Port of Long Beach |
Mr Eugene D. Seroka; Executive Director | Port of Los Angeles |
Mr Allard Castelein; President and CEO | Port of Rotterdam |
Mr Peter Steinbrueck; Commission President | Port of Seattle |
Mr Xie Feng; Director General | Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission |
Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/27042020/covid-19-declaration-by-port-authorities-roundtable/
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