Port operations ‘not hit by coronavirus’
MANAMA: The Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) continues to operate at full capacity, with strict safety measures implemented to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry yesterday confirmed that the KBSP, which handles 99.5 per cent of consumer goods to Bahrain, continues to operate at its full capacity to support the national economy.
The ministry, in collaboration with the port operator APM Terminals Bahrain, has been working actively to maintain critical operations at KBSP through the implementation of strict health and safety measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 across its operations.
All incoming vessels will be screened by the ministry, which said that ships will declare their last 10 port of calls and previous visits to any of the infected countries, 72 hours prior to their arrival at KBSP.
The ministry also issued for temporary suspension of crew disembarkation from ships and private jetties at KBSP until further notice, in addition to suspending all cruise vessels until further notice.
APM Terminals Bahrain has also initiated temperature screenings of all employees and customers at various points of entry at the terminal’s offices including customer services building, main gate, staff gate, and temporary gate pass office.
This also includes social distancing measures in addition to the sterilisation of port shuttle buses and bus waiting stations.
“We are working with our partners at APM Terminals Bahrain to ensure the business continuity of operations in Khalifa Bin Salman Port as it is a vital and important facility as we strive to minimise any negative impact on the supply chain and local trade to support Bahrain’s national economy,” said Transportation and Telecommunication Minister Kamal Ahmed.
“We are also working with our partners to maintain the highest possible standards of health, security and safety at the port and encourage all customers to make use of online services as much as possible as it reduces the time and effort needed for customers, which also goes in line with the precautionary and preventive measures taken by Bahrain to reduce the spread of the virus.”
The ministry added that it was working with local businesses to ensure fast and efficient delivery of all import containers and shipments, including food items and essential supplies to help the country maintain sufficient food stock for the next six months as instructed by the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry.
Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/788674/Port-operations-‘not-hit-by-coronavirus’
