New Zealand has joined an international port
authorities’ global initiative for safe and efficient
movement of goods and shipping during the COVID-19
crisis.
World-wide, 56 port authorities have agreed
how they will work together facilitating maritime trade as
the countries involved fight COVID-19.
The independent
Chair of New Zealand port companies’ CEOs’ group,
Charles Finny, has signed the international declaration on
behalf of our ports.
New Zealand’s maritime industry
regulator, Maritime NZ, has welcomed and commended the
declaration, which was initiated by Singapore and is being
implemented by the international Port Authorities’
Roundtable.
The 56 port authorities who have signed
the international declaration have committed
to:
- safely keeping global supply chains and trade
going and allowing merchant ships to load and
unload - coordinating so they can quickly share
information about, and experiences of, combating
COVID-19 - continuing to adopt best practices for
shore personnel and ship crew, safe handling of cargoes and
measures taken in dealing with COVID-19
cases.
“Ports, shipping and international
trade are crucial to New Zealand’s prosperity,” Mr
Finny, said.
“Ships transport about 99 percent of
our country’s goods to and from our
markets.
“That’s how we move milk powder, logs and
other exports, and it is how we import medical equipment and
consumer goods, and stock many of the shelves in our
stores.
“We are part of global markets where 80% of
the world’s goods are transported via
sea-lanes.”
The Director of Maritime NZ, Keith
Manch, said the maritime sector plays a crucial role in
keeping trade flows open in the global fight against
COVID-19.
“Safe and efficient ports, with good
international links, are vital for our country’s supply
chain,” Mr Manch said.
The declaration closes with
heart-felt praise for the workers in the maritime
industry:
“… we would also like to express our
deepest appreciation to seafarers, harbour pilots,
shore-based workers and the maritime community who have
worked tirelessly amidst the on-going pandemic in enabling
international trade to continue during these challenging
times. Together, we can do our part to help the world defeat
COVID-19!”
