Major ports in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America have signed a declaration committing to ensure their ports remain open amid the current pandemic recognising the critical role of the maritime sector in keeping trade flows open to support the global fight against the coronavirus.

The 20 ports that signed the declaration ⁠— led by Singapore ⁠— are members of the Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR). The commitment, among others, calls for port authorities to collaborate and share best practices in ensuring that port operations can remain undisrupted.

“As the world battles with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been more critical to keep our ports open and goods moving," said Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive, representing the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), said.

She noted that the shipping industry is currently chartering into "many unknowns" and new challenges, that port authorities have to take enhanced precautions for their ports and on ships, as well as manage the stress faced by our seafarers and maritime personnel.

"We have come together to make a declaration of our commitment, exchange experiences and share best practices. This virtual declaration by members countries across different geographical regions is also a first for the PAR. We came out of the session gaining more valuable knowledge to ensure that necessities and essential medical supplies continue to be transported seamlessly across the world and into our respective countries,” she added.

Through the joint declaration, the signatories are committed to work together and ensure that:

• Merchant ships can continue to berth at port terminals to carry out cargo operations and keep the global supply chain going;
• Best practices are adopted, according to national circumstances, including precautionary measures for the shipping community, advisories and assistance for shore personnel and ship crew, and safe handling of cargoes during this period; and
• Port authorities continue to share experiences in combating COVID-19 while safeguarding unimpeded maritime trade.
  
  

MPA said PAR has shared the declaration with the International Maritime Organization and the International Association of Ports and Harbours to rally other port authorities to join this declaration.

The 20 ports who signed the declaration are: 

• Abu Dhabi Ports
• Antwerp Port Authority
• Bureau of Port  and Harbor, Tokyo Metropolitan Government
• Busan Port Authority
• Guangzhou Port Authority
• Hamburg Port Authority
• Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
• Montreal Port Authority
• Ningbo Municipal Port Administration Bureau
• Port Authority of Thailand (Bangkok Port)
• Port of Barcelona
• Port and Harbor Bureau, City of Yokohama
• Port and Harbor Bureau, Kobe City Government
• Port Klang Authority
• Port of Long Beach
• Port of Los Angeles
• Port of Rotterdam
• Port of Seattle
• Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission
• Port of Le Havre