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On 3 April 2020, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a media release on “Additional Measures to Minimise Further Spread of COVID-19”. All business, social, or other activities that cannot be conducted through telecommuting from home will be suspended from 7 April 2020 to 4 May 2020 (inclusive); Essential Services and their related supply chains, as well as entities that form a part of the global supply chain, are exempted from the suspension.
As maritime is a key economic sector and the Port of Singapore is critical in ensuring the flow of goods, it will remain open for cargo operations and will continue to provide essential marine services including bunkering, ship stores and ship supplies.
Maritime-related activities will be exempted from the suspension, including:
a. Shipping e.g. ship operators and liner operators
b. Shipping-related services e.g. ship management and ship agencies
c. Safety and navigation services e.g. class societies, pilotage, salvage and towage
d. Port and terminal operations including construction
e. Port marine services e.g. ship chandlers, bunkering, ferry services
For maritime-related entities which are exempted, you will receive a confirmation email of the exemption from MPA by 3 April 2200H. Entities can also check their exemption status at www.mpa.gov.sg/es_enquiry from 3 April 2200H onwards.
Entities which wish to be exempted from the suspension should first refer to the guidance and FAQs provided by Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) at covid.gobusiness.gov.sg before submitting an application. Only entities performing or providing critical support for essential services will be exempted.
For companies that provide maritime-related essential services as listed in paragraph 3, the following guidelines apply:
a) Entities that can continue to operate their business activities (in limited or full capacity) with their employees working from home must continue to do so.
b) For the rest of the employees who cannot work through telecommuting, employers must implement safe distancing measures to reduce physical interactions by:
- Reducing the need for and duration of physical interactions;
- Staggering working hours;
- Postponing all group events; and
- Implementing shift work and/or split team arrangements.
c) Entities are required to submit details of their plans to operate with enhanced safe distancing measures in place at covid.gobusiness.gov.sg by 13 April 2020. MPA also requires you to submit your manpower plans to www.mpa.gov.sg/es_submit by 13 April 2020.
We expect these measures to be in place until 4 May 2020, but this may be extended if necessary. Non-compliance of these measures is an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act. Penalties for non-compliance include a fine of up to S$10,000 or imprisonment of up to six months or both. In addition, existing powers under the Infectious Diseases Act, including the temporary suspension of operations, may be used against persons and operators who do not comply with the Regulations.
Social responsibility is critical in slowing the transmission of the virus. We urge everyone to play their part in the fight against COVID-19. Those who are unwell, even with mild flu-like symptoms, should see a doctor and stay at home to prevent any potential transmission of illness to others. By exercising social responsibility, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones.
If you require further assistance, please write to [email protected] or contact us at 6876 5818.
We thank all stakeholders for the continuous efforts in ensuring that Singapore’s port operations remain un-interrupted and efficient. We also urge all to remain vigilant, resolute and united in tackling the COVID-19 situation.
(For information about operations in Singapore, contact GAC Singapore at [email protected])
Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Circular No.20 of 2020 dated 3 April 2020