Low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) supplies are reported to be running low in China, but most ship operating activities are running as normal, said GAC.
“Bunkering services [at Chinese ports] have not been affected, but the LSFO supply inventory is running low,” the ship agency company confirmed in a circular to clients.
“Therefore, confirmation with local fuel oil suppliers and application to local regulatory authorities in advance is highly recommended.”
GAC’s China office has also advised that except for river ports in Hubei province, operations at other ports in China remains normal.
“Vessel berthing and unberthing in Chinese ports is not affected by the novel coronavirus,” the company said.
“However, in most ports, vessels must conduct self-inspection and declare non-infection on board before pilot and tugboat application.”
GAC also advised that there has been an overall decline in work efficiency at all Chinese ports due to a labour shortage caused by the delayed return of migrant workers after the Lunar New Year holidays.
This is also said to be impacting cash to master (CTM) services at Chinese ports. However, GAC said this is expected to be back to normal by 10 February.
Currently CTM services can only be handled in Shanghai, Jiangyin, Taizhou, Zhenjiang, Putian, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou, Fuzhou, Gulei, Ningbo, Jiaxing and Zhuhai.
Body temperature monitoring
The agency said that while ship declaration formalities in most ports remain normal, some port authorities require submission of body temperature monitoring forms and health declaration cards or online declaration and appointment as an alternative.
Other problems identified by GAC include crew embarkation and disembarkation at Chinese ports, which are currently not allowed.
“If crew disembarkation is necessary under special circumstances, written application shall be submitted for approval in advance and could be arranged upon approval,” the agency outfit said.
In terms of supplies and spares, GAC said only “qualified suppliers” may provide such services and proper registration shall be made at local regulatory authority in advance.
“So far, customs clearance for ship spare parts has not been affected by the epidemic, except at Laizhou port in Shandong province and Shulanghu port in Ningbo,” the agency said.
GAC said it can handle customs clearance and spare parts delivery in compliance with the existing regulations of local customs.
However, in some ports, the company said filing and registration in advance are required by the local customs and regulatory authority.
Access to a vessel by an owner’s representative remains unaffected at ports such as Yingkou, Panjin, Tianjin, Taizhou, Zhangzhou, Xiamen, Putian and Fangcheng, GAC said.
“However, for epidemic control purposes, such an arrangement is either not recommended or not permitted at other ports,” GAC said.
