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21 May 2026 / Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Hantavirus precautions

Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority has instructed vessels to implement enhanced hantavirus preventive and monitoring measures both onboard and during port calls.

The following should be strictly observed.

On Board Vessels

  • Maintain strict rodent control measures at all times.
  • Ensure all food storage, galley areas, provision rooms, waster storage areas and accommodation spaces are kept clean and free from food residues.
  • Garbage to be properly container in covered receptacles and disposed of in accordance with MARPOL and port requirements.
  • Eliminate potential rodent nesting areas including accumulation of cartons, unused stores, ropes, waste materials and cluttered compartment.
  • Seal or repair openings, gaps, vents or damaged structures which may permit rodent entry.
  • Rat guards to be properly fitted on all mooring lines during port stay.
  • Crew to avoid direct content with rodents, rodent carcasses, dropping, nests or potentially contaminated materials.
  • Sweeping or vacuuming of dry rodent-contaminated areas to be avoided as it may aerosolize infectious particles. Contaminated areas should first be disinfected using approved disinfectants before cleaning.
  • Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gloves, masks and eye protection to be used when handling potentially contaminated materials or cleaning affected areas.

Any suspected rodent infestation onboard shall be immediately reported to the vessel operator and port health authorities where applicable.

Health Monitoring & Reporting

  • Masters shall closely monitor crew for symptoms including:
    - fever
    - fatigue
    - muscle aches
    - headache
    - respiratory symptoms
    - shortness of breath
  • Any crew member displaying symptoms consistent with infectious disease shall immediately be isolated onboard and medical advice sought through the vessel’s medical support channels and local port health authorities.
  • Prior to arrival, vessels must declare:
    - any suspected infectious illness onboard
    - any unusual rodent activity or infestation
    - any recent calls at affected/high-risk areas, where applicable

Masters and agents must ensure truthful and timely submission of Maritime Declaration of Health documentation.

Measures During Port Stay

  • Gangways to be monitored and appropriately secured to minimize rodent access between shore and vessel.
  • Vessel lighting near mooring areas to be managed appropriately to reduce attraction of pests where operationally feasible.
  • Cargo operations, especially involving food products, agricultural cargo, waste materials or bulk stories, to be conducted with enhanced housekeeping standards.
  • Port contractors, stevedores and ship staff to maintain cleanliness in operational areas and immediately clear spillages or waste accumulation.
  • No unauthorized disposal of food waste, cargo residues or garbage into port waters or quay areas is permitted.
  • Where necessary, the Port Authority may require additional pest control inspection, fumigation, sanitation measures or boarding by health officials.
  • Vessels identified with significant rodent infestation or sanitation deficiencies may be subject to operational restrictions until corrective actions are completed.

Responsibilities of Owners & Agents

  • Owners, operators and agents should:
  • Circulate to all vessels under their management
  • Ensure vessel crews are adequately briefed
  • Verify pest control and sanitation measures are maintained
  • Cooperate fully with port health, immigration, customs and maritime authorities.

For further details and updates, as well as operations in Sharjah, contact GAC at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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