- Port of Singapore will remain open for cargo operations and will continue to provide essential marine services, including bunkering, ship stores and ship supplies.
- Essential maritime activities 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, reads a press release from MPA.
The announcement came on the back of the additional precautionary measures issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on 3 April to minimise the further spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Activities not under suspension
Maritime-related activities will be exempted from the suspension, including:
- Shipping e.g. ship operators and liner operators
- Shipping-related services e.g. ship management and ship agencies
- Safety and navigation services e.g. class societies, pilotage, salvage and towage
- Port and terminal operations including construction
- Port marine services e.g. ship chandlers, bunkering, ferry services
Business activities that can be conducted with employees telecommuting from home can also continue to operate.
Penalties for non compliance
Meanwhile, entities that wish to be exempted from the suspension should refer to the guidance provided by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) before submitting an application. Only entities providing critical support for essential services will be excused.
- These measures are expected to be in place until 4 May but may be extended if necessary.
- Non-compliance of these measures is an offence under the Infectious Diseases Act and may incur penalties and fines.
MPA and the maritime sector ensured that operations will continue to run “smoothly and efficiently” and that essential goods and supplies will be brought into Singapore.
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Source: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
