COVID-19 Lockdown: South African Ports Open for Cargo Operations

In compliance with the lockdown, the Transnet National Port Authority (TNPA) has sent out numerous communications on how the ports will be operating during this period.

In support of this, the South African Maritime Safety Authority, on behalf of the Department of Transport, hereby would like to inform all stakeholders that:

• ALL SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS REMAIN OPEN FOR PORT OPERATIONS
• CARGO OPERATIONS WILL CONTINUE IN ALL PORTS
• STEVEDORE OPERATIONS WILL CONTINUE IN ALL PORTS
• ALL TYPES OF CARGO WILL BE ALLOWED TO BE LOADED AND OFF LOADED

There have been numerous instructions distributed by various entities, causing confusion amongst various entities, service providers and shipping companies.

The Department of Transport would therefore like to clarify all requirements during the lockdown period.

SOUTH AFRICAN PORTS
All South African Commercial Ports will remain operational for Cargo Work

CARGO OPERATIONS
Following on the initial announcement by the President, there have been changes such as the enablement of the mining companies to approach their regulator Ministry on an individual basis and seek uthorization to continue operations, albeit on a limited basis.

Government has now decided that in the interest of ensuring a functional supply chain across all ports, that all cargoes will be accepted for loading and off-loading. Where possible, essential goods should receive preferential treatment over non-essential goods.

Transnet will be in a position to communicate which of its operations will be reactivated with the relevant customers and logistics partners.

Transnet will reactivate certain of its operations, these would be at a reduced level and not full capacity. The reactivated operations will be dictated to by the applicable regulatory framework, national priorities and contribution to the health of the economy and Transnet’s ability to deploy its resources, having regard to people safety, which is of paramount importance.

Transnet’s current priorities, in addition to all the essential services previously communicated, are:
i) The integrated container logistics system mainly around the Port of Durban and the link to the economic hub in Gauteng – ensuring that the complex system remains efficient to enable the movement of priority and essential containerized goods; this includes the movement of non-essential cargo to City Deep, only for purposes of decongesting the Port of Durban,
ii) The heavy haul rail and ports export system from the Northern Cape to the Port of Saldanha; and
iii) The domestic and export Coal and other GFB cargo through the Port of Richards Bay.

All other specific approvals granted by Government, which are dependent on the rest of the South African rail and ports system will be considered on a case by case basis, and our ability to respond responsibly will be communicated directly to customers making applications based on Government approvals granted.

Please ensure all applications and evidence of approvals are submitted to the Transnet Customer Nerve Center via email at transnet.cnc@transnet.net

STEVEDORING OPERATIONS
The provision of Transnet’s service is subject to customers and their cargo handlers/siding operators taking necessary measures to protect Transnet staff who interface with their operations.

All port personnel (both Transnet, private stevedoring and any other category of employees) must have access to hygiene services, e.g. sanitation, soap and water which each employer shall cause to be provided together with standard operating procedures to ensure the highest hygiene practices.

Strict adherence to health and safety protocols will not be compromised.

Customers must provide Transnet with the Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and update Transnet daily on the status of their employees.

VESSEL OPERATIONS
Masters are to ensure that where possible the following standards are adhered to by the ship’s officers and ratings:
i) Social Distancing maintained (between 1-2 meters between persons)
ii) Crew to follow hand hygiene protocols i.e. regular washing of hands (20 seconds or more)
iii) Personal Protective Equipment to be utilised i.e. Face Masks, Gloves, Boiler Suites, Disposable Boiler Suits (where possible), Safety Boots, Hard Hats, Safety Glasses
iv) Any medical condition that develops during the ports stay are to be reported to Port Health immediately, focusing specifically on the following symptoms:
a. Dry Cough
b. Consistent Fever (>38.5°C)
c. Difficulty in Breathing (severe cases)
d. Tiredness
If any crew member displays these symptoms, they are to be immediately isolated until advised otherwise by Port Health.

Failure to comply may result in unduly delays to vessels in port or prevent cargo operations from continuing…

(For information about operations in South Africa, contact GAC South Africa at [email protected])

Source: South African Maritime Safety Authority Marine Notice No. 21 of 2020 dated 31 March 2020