Global ports hailed for resilience, urged to do more against pandemic

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UNCTAD hailed ports as “essential facilitators of world trade” handling 80% of global trade volume. Port of Hamburg Image by Julius Silver from Pixabay
  • World ports urged to use business continuity planning processes, contingency action protocols to deal with pandemic scenarios
  • UNCTAD hails resilience of ports during the pandemic in a new report citing step the “essential facilitators of world trade” have taken to protect health of port-users and workers
  • Policy brief specially mentions Philippine Port Authority’s quarantine facility for more than 100 seafarers changing ships or on home leave
  • More than 250 policy recommendations on measures vs. pandemic gleaned from among 1,246 port professionals from across the globe who took part in UNCTAD’s TrainforTrade course

Ports around the world, described as key facilitators of global trade, have been urged to use business continuity planning and contingency action protocols to deal successfully with pandemic scenarios.

Port professionals submitted their policy recommendations to the United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which the agency highlighted in a policy brief released recently that cited the resilience of ports during the pandemic.

UNCTAD hailed ports as “essential facilitators of world trade” handling 80% of global trade volume.

“Throughout the pandemic, ports have demonstrated their ability to manage the safe and efficient handling of essential goods such as medical equipment and emergency supplies. The main strategic objective of ports during the pandemic has been to remain in business,” the report said.

The report specially mentioned the Philippine Port Authority’s quarantine facility for more than 100 seafarers who are changing ships or on home leave. Filipinos are the largest group of maritime sailors in the world.

Related read: DOTr, PPA quarantine facilities turned into COVID isolation centers

The report said ports seeking guidance and advice have turned to UNCTAD’s TrainforTrade program for support, including for information and examples of best practices.

More than 250 policy recommendations were made by 1,246 port professionals from across the globe who took part in a TrainforTrade course UNCTAD held in March and June-July last year.

The recommendations were ranked by priority through online vote, said the report, “Emerging strategies for port during the pandemic.” Among the policy recommendations are:

  • Ports should use business continuity planning processes to develop action protocols for pandemic scenarios based on recommendations from national and regional authorities
  • Contingency planning scenarios should be developed for the successful implementation of preventive actions and to identify appropriate responses to suspected infectious cases in a pandemic situation
  • A communications strategy that is fit for purpose and aimed at all stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, customers, port users, government agencies and media, is essential
  • Port managers should prioritize the education of port workers on how they can best maintain physical and mental wellbeing during a pandemic
  • The provision of vaccination facilities, testing centers and contact tracing is a key feature and is needed to support the health and well-being of port workers.