PORT NEWS
Port Closures an “Extreme” Measure A new UK bill that could see individual ports temporarily close due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) should only be used in extreme circumstances, a port body has said.
is brought under control.”
Mr Ballantyne pointed out the BPA has been learning from the experiences of port professionals in Italy, where ports have remained open.
Responding to the publication of the Government’s policy paper on its new Emergency Bill, the British Ports Association said keeping the UK’s global gateways open for trade should be a priority. Regarding the power of the legislation to temporarily close ports and suspend operations, the BPA said it would expect it to only be used where necessary and proportionate, and for the minimum period necessary.
Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, said: “Half of the UK’s food is imported and it will be critical to keep our ports open so that shops, public services, and businesses are supplied with what the country needs.”
The BPA added: “We would expect a sunset clause on these powers so that they expire once the pandemic
Many ports have closed to cruise ships due to coronavirus, while supply chain disruption has seen commercial trade operations affected in ports globally.
The new Bill will enable the Home Secretary to request that port and airport operators temporarily close and suspend operations if Border Force staff shortages result in a real and significant threat to the UK’s border security.
This is to ensure the UK can maintain adequate border security throughout the pandemic and protect the public from the threat of criminality or importation of prohibited items that could result from an inadequately controlled border.
The British ports industry is requesting further support for port health authorities to enable them to be fully prepared for any emergency controls that need to be implemented as a result of the Coronavirus.
As the number of new confirmed cases of the Wuhan Coronavirus, or COVID-19, grows, particularly in mainland Europe, the British Ports Association (BPA) has written to the UK Health Secretary, Matt Hancock MP to outline the UK port sector’s growing concerns.
Commenting on the letter sent to the Health Secretary, Richard Ballantyne, said: “UK ports have been working closely with relevant authorities to prepare for and guard against the spread of the Wuhan Coronavirus. Ports have highlighted though that it is acutely obvious local port health authorities, who are resourced by local authorities, are in real need of additional resources to prepare for such emergency situations.”
The BPA has also noted that some UK ports feel they have been put in the position of having to make decisions on health matters for which they are not qualified. Support may need to include “clear guidance from government in regards to shipping movements from high risk regions, or medical officers giving individual case by case advice,” Mr Ballantyne said.
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www.dockyard-mag.com April 2020
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