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Itaqui
Misc. for ports and Vessels
The current pandemic moment has caused the Brazilian federal government and the state governments to carry out coordinated actions, in order to avoid restrictions to cargo circulation during lockdown. Following the understanding of the G20 and the IMO/UN, the Federal Government declared shipping to be fundamental to the country's supply chain and the economy not to collapse; Updates In the beginning of this month, the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) published the Informative Note 02/2020, providing a better interpretation on the rules regarding crew change, and relaxing the restrictions on repatriation processes. In this Informative Note, ANVISA expressly states that do not apply anymore the terms of the Technical Note 86/2020, by which the repatriation of seafarers depended on the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The necessity of such approval became obsolete since the Ministries of Justice, Health and Infrastructure signed Ordenance 225/2020, which, making reference to the Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention (1958), establishes a safety protocol and relaxed the process for the crewmembers repatriation. The Federal Police and National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) still need to be contacted and provided with information on the situation of the crewmembers who are to be disembarked for repatriation. The entry of foreigners remains generally prohibited in Brazil, both by air and water. The exceptions to the seafarers exist only because cargo transportation/shipping sector is regarded as an essential service for supplying cities and the IMO had complained on the situation of seafares who could not leave their vessels even when their contracts had expired, because the shipping company could not change the crewmembers, as the seafarers could not enter brazilian territory. Even so, the measures adopted due to COVID-19 continue to impact the routine of many ports in the North and Northeast of Brazil, as the restriction of the circulation of people and vehicles have side effects in the functioning of the delicated port logistics. The air network continues to be severely restricted and with low demand, which ends up impacting the port / shipping sector, specifically the pilotage in the north of the country and the transport of surveyors / experts / crew and other professionals to more remote port areas. Santana (AP) - Reinforced controls by Health Authorities, as daily updates on crew members temperatures before free pratique granted. - Immigration working from home office and all clearance will be done by electronic system. No papers are required. - Crewmembers are not authorized to come alongside unless otherwise requested by local Authorities. - Ports and terminals on skeleton staff - All entrance clearances, boarding access to the vessels is highly suggested to be avoided and will be deeply checked by authorities, if not necessary it will not be granted. - Due to issues in the aviation sector, pilots are struggling to reach the city in time, with some sailing maneuverers having been delayed. Upon suggestion of the pilot companies, charter flights are being used as an alternative, with the shipping companies paying for all the costs, until the situation is normalized. Santarém (PA) - Reinforced controls by Health Authorities, as daily updates on crewmembers temperatures before free pratique granted - Immigration working from home office and all clearance will be done by electronic system. No papers are required. - Crewmembers are not authorized to come alongside unless otherwise requested by local Authorities. - All entrance clearances, boarding access to the vessels is highly suggested to be avoided and will be deeply checked by authorities, if not necessary it will not be granted - Ports and terminals on skeleton staff - Due to issues in the aviation sector, pilots are struggling to reach the city in time, with some sailing maneuverers having been delayed. Upon suggestion of the pilot companies, charter flights are being used as an alternative, with the shipping companies paying for all the costs, until the situation is normalized. Municipal administration decrees curfew (except for essential activities) to take effect as of April 09. lFor these essential activities, workers must be wearing their company's uniform or name tag, to identify themselves and inform the authorities their line of work, be it in the port or while aboard the vessels. Vila do Conde (PA) - Reinforced controls by Health Authorities, as per National standards - Ports operations working with reduced staff due to risk of virus contamination, however without affecting any loading or discharge operation - Crewmembers are not authorized to come alongside unless otherwise requested by local Authorities. Itacoatiara (MA) Because of the rainy seasons and the lack of flights due to COVID-19, all night shift manoeuvres will be previously analysed by a Port Operations Specialist, taking into account the following conditions before approving the manoeuvres: river current ; amount of cargo and weather and crew. Reinforced controls by Health Authorities, as daily updates on the crewmembers body temperature are required. Temperature measurement period to be confirmed. Hermasa Terminal is minimizing the stay of their workers on vessel's deck, leading to the following changes: - No availability of hand trimming. Loading plans must be adjusted considering it. - Shifting of shiploader between holds will be done from shore side and shifts among the far end holds must be avoided at night time - Mooring will be performed by shore side only, assisted by photos sent thru the agency - Due to issues in the aviation sector, pilots are struggling to reach the city in time, with some sailing maneuverers having been delayed. Upon suggestion of the pilot companies, charter flights are being used as an alternative, with the shipping companies paying for all the costs, until the situation is normalized. ITAQUI/ ALUMAR / PDM (MA) São Luís, state capital with three ports, is reopening. After the lockdowns on the capital and other cities were lifted on May 18th, With such, previous restrictions are back in place. As transport and logistics are deemed essential services, the employees can leave their homes and work normally, with general caution measures. Port complexes Located in São Luís, the Public Port of Itaqui, the Ponta da Madeira Terminal and the ALUMAR Terminal are operating normally. Cargo Movement exempted from restrictions. - Agents Port meeting, comercial visitors, workshops and training courses are suspended. - Compulsory usage of facemask and gloves within Port premises and vessels. - Crewmembers are not allowed to leave the vessel, except for medical needs. Crew change temporally suspended. MUCURIPE / PECÉM (CE) June 1st – Lockdown ends in Fortaleza. Other cities are kept under lockdown. Fortaleza, the state capital, is no longer under lockdown under lockdown, which lasted from May 8th. to May 31st. After having accomplished the transition phase, the city is under phase 1 of 4. There are barriers in the entries of some cities of the state under lockdown, but cargo transport is exempted from any restriction. Port activity remains normal both in Mucuripe (Fortaleza) and Pecém. - Many flights inbound to Fortaleza were cancelled due to the drop in the demand caused by the restrictions. - Passenger Ships are not authorized to come alongside unless otherwise requested by local Authorities. - Despite the lockdown, both Pecém and Fortaleza ports are functioning normally. AREIA BRANCA / NATAL (RN) Rio Grande do Norte (RN) has two major ports. One of them is in Natal, the capital of the state, which is under general restrictions, with stores and offices closed so that people can stay at their homes. As essential services are exempted from these measures, cargo transport/shipping is normal, with typical restrictions on gatherings and personal contact. The other port is the the Porto-Ilha, a port built for salt export in an artificial island deep sea, with a base in Areia Branca, a city which is the most important industrial pole for salt production in Brazil. Areia Branca is under lockdown as of June 12th. The lockdown shall remain until June 21st. Apart from those who work in essential activities, people can only leave their houses for medical reasons and to buy food. Cargo transport/shipping are also deemed essential activies, but it is not clear if the production of salt itself will be affected, which is unlikely as it generates much of the revenue of the municipality. - Agents Port meeting, commercial visitors, workshops and training courses are suspended. Compulsory usage of facemask and gloves within Port premises and vessels. RECIFE (PE) - Agents Port meeting, commercial visitors, workshops and training courses are suspended. Compulsory usage of facemask and gloves within Port premises and vessels. - Crewmembers are not allowed to leave the vessel, except for medical needs. Crew change temporally under restrictions. MACEIÓ (AL) - Passenger Ships are not authorized to come alongside unless otherwise requested by local Authorities. - Crew change under restrictions. TMIB (SE) - Reinforced controls by Health Authorities, as per National standards SALVADOR/COTEGIPE/ILHÉUS (BA) - Reinforced controls by Health Authorities, as per National standards - Crewmembers are not authorized to come alongside unless otherwise requested by local Authorities. - Strict policy for protective gear including face mask are also in force Source: Promare
Itaqui
Misc. for ports and Vessels
Covid-19: Updates on crew change in Brazil The Federal Government decided to maintain, for another 30 days, the restrictions for the entry of non-resident foreigners of all nationalities. The measure came into force last Friday (22) and effectively extends the restrictions created in March, with the usual exceptions related to cargo transport and airline personal. Also, the restriction continues to not apply to foreign professionals on mission serving an international organization; foreign employees accredited to the Brazilian Government; and spouse, partner, son, father or curator of a Brazilian whose entry is authorized by the Brazilian Government or holder of a National Migration Registry. The disembarkation of crewmembers remains forbidden, unless it is for medical assistance or for connection to return to the country of origin, provided it authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE) and accompanied by National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) and the Federal Police. For the first time, it has been expressly authorized the entry and permanence of foreign seafares bearing an international seafarer's license issued under the terms of the ILO Convention, a reference to the Seafarers' Identity Documents Convention, 1958. It has also been expressly mentioned that a passport indicating that the holder is a seafare will have the same legal value of an international seafarer's license, provided that the passport has been issued by a member of the aforementioned convention. Either way, the entry of the seafare must be requested by the shipping agency to the Federal Police, for the execution of specific functions on vessels and platforms. This improvement follows complains by the IMO on the situation of seafares who could not leave their vessels even when their contracts had expired, because the shipping company could not change the crewmembers, as the seafarers could not enter brazilian territory. In the past months, the IMO has been arguing to the members of the UN they should consider the shipping a essential activity, to be exempted from the rules generally placed in order to restrict international travels. Source: G1
Itaqui
Misc. for ports and Vessels
June 12, 2020 - 10:00 LT - Bulk carrier STELLAR BANNER, by decision of P&I, shipowners and Brazilian authorities, decided to sink the ship, about 150 km from the coast of Maranhao State (Brazilian coast) with about 1500 meters depth. About 250.000 mt of iron ore remained on board.
Itaqui
Misc. for ports and Vessels
The heads of the maritime, labour and aviation organizations of the United Nations have issued a plea for urgent action on crew changes and for keyworker designation so that sea and air workers can be relieved and repatriated in a safe way during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a joint statement (CL.4204/Add.18), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) advised that from the middle of June 2020, around 150,000 seafarers a month will require international flights to ensure crew changeovers can take place. Half of these seafarers need to be repatriated home by aircraft, the other half will be joining ships. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, large numbers of seafarers, as well as crews of fishing vessels, have had to extend their service on board ships after many months at sea, unable to be replaced or repatriated after long tours of duty. This is unsustainable, both for the safety and wellbeing of seafarers and the safe operation of maritime trade. "For humanitarian reasons – and the need to comply with international safety and employment regulations – crew changes cannot be postponed indefinitely," the statement said. "We are seeking the support of Governments to facilitate crew changes, operations essential to maintain the global cargo supply chains and operations related to humanitarian aid, medical and relief flights." During the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, travel is being curtailed to prevent spread of the disease. Some ports and airports remain closed due to travel restrictions, with ships and aircraft denied entry, and/or have introduced restrictive measures for foreign nationals travelling to or from the country. As a result, seafarers around the world are stranded onboard ships, unable to be repatriated home or replaced by relief crews The three Organizations urge "key worker" designation for seafarers, marine personnel, fishing vessel personnel, offshore energy sector personnel, aviation personnel, air cargo supply chain personnel, and service provider personnel at airports and ports, regardless of nationality. Governments are urged to exempt these personnel from travel restrictions, to ensure crew changes can be carried out and that they have access to emergency medical treatment and, if necessary, to facilitate emergency repatriation. The joint statement says Governments and relevant national and local authorities should implement already-agreed guidance, issued by ICAO, IMO, ILO and the World Health Organization (WHO), including on keyworker designation. This includes permitting seafarers, marine personnel, fishers and offshore energy sector personnel to disembark and embark ships in port and transit through their territory (i.e. to an airport) for the purpose of crew changes and repatriation; and implementing appropriate approval and screening protocols. Earlier this month, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim endorsed a series of protocols developed by a broad cross-section of global maritime industry associations to ensure that ship crew changes can take place safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 80% of global trade by volume is moved by maritime transport, which is the lifeblood of the global economy, and is dependent on the two million seafarers who operate the world's merchant ships. Air transport carried about 4.5 billion passengers in 2019, according to preliminary ICAO figures, while airfreight represents 35% of the value of goods shipped in all modes combined. The total number of licensed aviation professionals, which include pilots, air traffic controllers and licensed maintenance technicians, was 887,000 in 2019, according to ICAO personnel statistics and forecasts. Download ICAO/IMO/ILO joint statement The joint statement was signed by Fang Liu, Secretary General International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); Kitack Lim, Secretary-General International Maritime Organization (IMO); and Guy Ryder, Director-General International Labour Organization (ILO). The statement can be downloaded here - CL.4204/Add.18 A Joint Statement on designation of seafarers, marine personnel, fishing vessel personnel, offshore energy sector personnel, aviation personnel, air cargo supply chain personnel, and service provider personnel at airports and ports as key workers, and on facilitation of crew changes in ports and airports in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Itaqui
Misc. for ports and Vessels
BRAZIL'S NAVY NAVY SOCIAL COMMUNICATION CENTER NOTE TO THE PRESS Brasilia DF. On June 6, 2020. The Brazilian Navy, through the Command of the 4th Naval District (Com4ºDN), analyzed the preliminary reports of the shipowner Polaris Shipping, owner of the Merchant Ship Stellar Banner, on the structural inspections carried out by representatives of the ship's classification society, with the support of divers and a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), pointing out that the bulk carrier must be jettisoned (sunk) in deep water, about 150 kilometers from the coast of Maranhão. For the phase of possible jettisoning, the quantities of oils and oily residues that have remained on board since reflutation must still be removed. The part of the cargo, which will remain on the Ship, does not pose risks to marine life and human life and must remain in agreement with the environmental and maritime authorities. AHTS (Anchor Handling Tug Supply) Bear, OSRV (Oil Spill Response Vessel) Marine Water, OSV (Offshore Support Vessel) Normand Installer and Navy Patrol Ship “Guanabara” will remain on the scene to monitor the entire jettisoning process the vessel, in order to avoid possible environmental impacts. The Brazilian Navy, through Com4ºDN and the Captaincy of the Ports of Maranhão, will continue to supervise the activities together with the environmental authorities of the State of Maranhão, the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources and the Secretary of State for the Environment and Natural Resources. The agencies and companies involved continue to make the maximum efforts and resources possible, in order to solve the situation, always complying with the rules and legislation in force, prioritizing the safeguarding of human life at sea, the protection of the environment and the safety of navigation. Brazilian Navy: Protecting our wealth, taking care of our people www.marinha.mil.br Contact: Press Department Navy Social Communication Center Phones: (61) 3429-1293 / 99238-9790 E-mail: press@marinha.mil.br Brazilian Navy: Protecting our wealth, taking care of our people www.marinha.mil.br
Itaqui
Casualty
Ore carrier MV Stellar Banner (IMO 9726803) sailed last February 24th, 2020 - 15:06LT after loaded about 290.000 mt of iron ore to be discharged at Qingdao - China. During out bond to sea passage vessel grounded in a sand bank about 100 kilometers away. Vessel suffered damage to the bow after ground, she already out from the access channel to the port. The 20 crew members were safely evacuated and the ship's. Master reported fissure on the hull and adopted to aground in a sand bank and keep vessel floating. Its is owned and operated by the South Korean company Polaris. There are some tugs giving assistance.
