The Port of Hamburg has announced that it will continue its operations despite the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak to serve the interest of people relying on the port for supply.

The largest seaport in Germany said that Hamburg officials have stressed to the management of the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) the utmost importance of the port, especially in these times, as a central economic and logistical hub. 

"The Port of Hamburg, and especially the HPA, accepts its responsibility and makes it a top priority for our port to remain fully operational in the best interest of the population," the statement said.

It noted that on March 13, the German Federal Government announced specific measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, the German Chancellor called on important industrial sectors – including the ports – to continue their operations. 

Despite remaining operational, the Port assured it is actively undertaking measures to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

Following protocols to combat COVID-19 spread

"We obey the recommendations of the competent political institutions, the Federal Government, the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, the health authorities and the port’s medical service (Hamburg Port Health Center). The Health Department of the HPA is in continuous contact with all partners," HPA said.

It added that it also engages regularly in international and multi-sectoral communication to monitor the situation constantly and – if required – to implement targeted measures

As always, all arriving ships must submit a Maritime Health Declaration (MDH) at least 24 hours before calling at the port with information on whether there is any disease or indications of disease on board.

The statement noted that if there are indications of disease, then the ship is inspected by Hamburg Port Health Center before entering the Port of Hamburg.

All events of the Port of Hamburg that are not absolutely necessary have also been or will be called off.

"The Port of Hamburg is of crucial importance, especially in these times, as the main driving force of the economy and of supply not only for our country but for all of Europe," HPA said.

"We thank all of you for your contributions to continuing to ensure the proper operation of the port, and we are sure that we can deal with these difficult moments together and emerge from them even stronger than before."