20 Global Ports Sign Major Covid Vow

Twenty major ports from around the world who make up the Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR) have made a collective vow to ensure ports remain open throughout the coronavirus pandemic, thereby keeping the global economy moving.

The from PAR has members from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

The twenty ports who signed the vow 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

The declaration, which was initiated by Singapore, calls for port authorities to collaborate and share best practices in ensuring that port operations are not disrupted.

Through this 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.

The Roundtable has shared the declaration with the IMO and the International Association of Ports and Harbours to rally other port authorities to join the declaration.

Read more: DP World Launches Digital Platforms Across Global Supply Chains