PNG Ports responds to Covid-19

The National National

THE need to continue to allow trade to flow through the ports is very important and should be allowed to happen, albeit in a much more controlled manner, according to PNG Ports Corporation Ltd (PNGPCL).
The company, in a media statement, said in response to the outbreak of the global Covid-19 pandemic, it set in place stringent protocols for all vessels and crew to adhere to.
This, according to PNGPCL, had been achieved in consultation with the Transport Department, Health Department, Customs and Immigration at all port facilities.
The protocols included:

  • SUSPENSION of shore leave by crew of all international vessels calling into any PNG port;
  • SUSPENSION of crew change at all PNG ports;
  • NO crew allowed on quayside of PNG ports;
  • NO personnel from port side allowed on board any international vessel apart from those performing statutory functions;
  • ALL statutory functions undertaken by receiving PNG Ports personnel would be carried out within Health Department guidelines;
  • ALL vessels would be cleared in nominated ports and port facilities as gazette by the Health Department before any onward voyage to any other port; and,
  • EXEMPTION to any of the above must made to the Transport Department for their consideration.

“PNGPCL, being cognisant that the Government may impose restrictions on the movement of people, have in place business continuity plan (BCP), to ensure all its port facilities in PNG remain operational,” the statement said.
It said the BCP would have four levels of response measures and included levels one, two, three and four with specific action plans.