leading a swift response

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, Jon White reflects on the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s leadership and contingency planning in its immediate response to the arrival of the virus

When COVID-19 hit, the maritime community across the world was severely impacted. Borders were closed, warehouses overflowed, and sailings were cancelled. Some ship crew were unable to leave their ships, while other seafarers were stuck in hotels without being able to get a flight home, prolonging their homesickness.

EARLY MEASURES AND RESPONSE

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) sprang into action once pockets of COVID-19 cases started appearing in Singapore. As early as mid-January, MPA swiftly engaged Singapore’s port terminal operators, PSA Singapore and Jurong Port, as well as the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU), and Singapore Organisation of Seamen (SOS) through a tripartite collaboration to coordinate a united response. This multi-stakeholder co-ordination would prove vital in getting ahead of what would later evolve into a global health and economic crisis.

In the days that followed, national and international containment measures were swiftly implemented to enable early detection at sea checkpoints. As the maritime community quickly adapted to a new normal, MPA continued to lead the charge in navigating the crisis by disseminating travel advisories and circulars on temperature screening, health declarations, and cleaning and disinfecting for increased vigilance.

CARING FOR SEAFARERS