Port still operational, measures taken for coronavirus

23 Mar 2020 / Rotterdam, Netherlands

Despite the far-reaching impact of the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), the port of Rotterdam remains operational. Cargo handling and production continues unabated. The Harbour Master Division is monitoring safety and public order on the water 24/7.

The Port of Rotterdam Authority has taken steps to safeguard the continuity of business operations, and is advising and assisting clients to keep them informed of developments. As the situation relating to the spread of coronavirus is changing very rapidly, new measures including those requiring additional measures are likely in the days and weeks to come.

The following measures have been taken:

  • Employees of the Port of Rotterdam Authority are working from home as much as possible and can be reached by email. Operational services continue and the Harbour Coordination Centre remains accessible 24/7.

  • All events, receptions and non-essential training courses have been postponed or cancelled.

  • All seagoing vessels are required to submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDoH) before arriving at, or being piloted in, the port of Rotterdam. That procedure is already in place for cruise vessels. It does not apply to inland shipping.

For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in the Netherlands, contact GAC Netherlands at [email protected]

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