COVID-19: Port of Antwerp remains operational

Photo: Wikipedia

Following the Belgian Prime Minister's call for key sectors of the industry, including the port sector, to keep their activities going, the port implemented further measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

These include constant monitoring of WHO's, EU's and the Federal Government Departments' of Health (Saniport) and Mobility announcements and advice and setting up a cross-border, multi-sector taskforce to aid in these efforts and impose additional measures if necessary. Members include Voka/Alfaport, ASV, Cepa, Agentschap voor Maritieme Dienstverlening en Kust, de Vlaamse Waterweg, Customs & Excise, Rijkswaterstaat and the cabinet of the Flemish Minister for Mobility.

As per usual, all incoming ships must submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) 24h before calling the port, followed by additional screening by Saniport. Port of Antwerp's authorities have also suspended all non-essential events. Visitors are admitted to critical work locations only when absolutely necessary.

If possible, employees are asked to work from home and limit physical interactions if not strictly unavoidable.