Transnet action plan to monitor coronavirus

11 Mar 2020 / South Africa

Transnet, as custodian of rail, ports and terminals, has established a Command Centre to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The Command Centre will be responsible for the coordination and monitoring of all vessels docking into all the eight South Africa’s commercial seaports. The ports are Richards Bay, Durban, East London, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay, Cape Town and Saldanha.

This also includes monitoring of passengers on Transnet’s Blue Train which caters for the tourist trade.

Transnet, which is responsible for vessel berthing and unloading of goods from vessels coming from different countries, is also rolling-out sanitizers and safety protective wear for employees.

All procedures involving screening of the virus are done through the Port Health officials in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH) and the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) to monitor the outbreak.

The following additional measures are in place to safeguard South Africa’s ports and its employees:

  • All employees at Transnet National Ports Authorities and Transnet Port Terminals interfacing with vessels from affected areas are continuously provided with all hygienic and protective equipment.

  • Transnet has dispersed had sanitizers throughout the company.

  • TNPA marine pilots are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment to use when receiving vessels from affected areas.

  • All foreign vessels entering the ports must receive free pratique by the Port Health department and details of the last 10 ports of call are captured.

  • Separate list of vessels calling from affected areas are recorded.

  • During the warning period, all South African Citizens – including marine pilots – are to refrain from consuming foods and liquids on board vessels.

  • Should reports of infection be reported on board a vessel, the vessel may dock and the process quarantine through Port Health will be instituted. No persons are permitted to go on-board until Port Health has cleared the vessel.

  • No crew will be allowed to disembark off a vessel without obtaining Port Health Clearance.

  • A thorough sweep of stowaways will be conducted.

  • Should stowaways be found, the vessel is to remain at anchor until stowaways are examined and cleared by Port Health.

  • All waste from the vessels from affected areas will be incinerated and not accepted ashore.

  • All yachts arriving in the country from all areas must report to South African Police Services and Port Health Department. The skipper is to be informed to ensure that he and his crew remain isolated on-board the vessel until cleared by Port Health.

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

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

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