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Zaandam expected to arrive Port Everglades on March 30

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 March 2020 24 March 2020

Holland America Line announced the update of its Zaandam today. It is one of the last cruise ships still sailing with passengers.

30 (2.4%) and 47 crew (8%) have now reported to Zaandam’s medical center with influenza-like illness symptoms. Out of an abundance of caution and immediately after noting the early signs of elevated numbers of illness, all guests were asked to remain in their staterooms on March 22. There are 1,243 guests and 586 crew on board.

Zaandam is following response protocols that have been developed in coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since it is flu season, and COVID-19 testing is not currently available on board, it is difficult to determine the cause of these elevated cases at this time.

Since all ports along Zaandam’s route are closed to cruise ships, Holland America Line has deployed Rotterdam to rendevous with Zaandam and provide extra supplies, staff, COVID-19 test kits and other support as needed. Carrying 611 crew and no guests, Rotterdam departed Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, at 3 p.m. local time on March 22 and the current schedule is for the two ships to meet by the evening of March 26 off the coast of Panama.

"The safety and well-being of our guests and crew is one of our highest priorities," Holland America said in a statement The ship has activated these precautionary measures out of an abundance of caution:

– As is our standard practice, all ill persons have been isolated and their close contacts placed in quarantine.
– Guests have been asked to remain in their staterooms and monitor their health. If they become symptomatic, they are asked to call the medical center for an evaluation and care from the ship’s medical professionals (at no charge).
– Meal service is being provided by room service until further notice. All public areas are closed.
– The entire ship is operating at maximum sanitation levels, including rigorous cleaning and disinfecting of public and crew areas.
– Crew who are not required for the safe operation of the ship are being quarantined. Those that are needed to maintain the ship’s operation are being asked to self-isolate when not performing essential functions, practice social distancing, self-monitor and report any illness to the Medical Center.
– Both internet and guest stateroom telephone services remain complimentary so that guests may stay in touch with their families.

Zaandam was sailing a South America voyage that departed Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 7 and was originally scheduled to end in San Antonio, Chile, on March 21. However, due to global health concerns, Holland America Line made the decision to suspend its global cruise operations for 30 days and end its current cruises in progress as quickly as possible and so guests could return home.

Zaandam provisioned in Valparaiso, Chile, March 20-21 and has plenty of food and fuel for the voyage to the U.S. "Our intention is to proceed to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for arrival on March 30, however plans are still being finalized. Alternative options also are being developed. No one has been off the ship since March 14 in Punta Arenas, Chile."

Complimentary telephone counseling services from our care partner, Empathia, have been made available to guests and crew if they would like extra support during this time.

Cruise Europe member ports provide information on available facilities

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 March 2020 22 March 2020

Cruise Europe organization has provided following update on port operations across the region:

Presently Aberdeen Harbour has no restrictions on accepting cruise ships, but all access requests would be subject to review at time of request, according to Marlene Mitchell, Aberdeen Harbour Board. The maximum length overall that can be accommodated is 165m. Crew activity would be supported by the port agent as per standard operating terms, but in the event of any wellbeing challenges the port would implement standard health & safety procedures, again supported by the agent team.

Cruise ships can go alongside in Bergen under special conditions but only for bunkering/provision/water etc. Crew and passengers cannot go ashore which will be enforced by the port having police/security people on the pier. The City of Bergen does not want cruise vessels to come to Bergen, according to Frode Sagmo, cruise coordinator Port of Bergen, but if some crew want to sign off the decision will be taken by the politician/doctor.

The Port of Bodo cannot accommodate cruise ships for a longer period of time in the situation we are in, says Erlend Willumsen, director of market & development Port of Bodo. There is limited space in the port which is an important hub for transport of goods and supply. Quays need to be prioritised for this purpose. “In case of emergency it could be possible to place cruise ships on anchor in the region around Bodo.”.

Geirangerfjord cruise port is closed and the measure will apply until further notice - the situation is considered continuous, according to Rita Berstad Maraak Hamnesjef, port director Geirangerfjord Cruise Port.

The Port of Kalundborg is open but crew and passengers are not allowed to leave the ship and go ashore. However for now the government has accepted crew change under special guidelines. For one/two-day ships up to 285m in length and with 9.5m draught can be accommodated. However: “This size quays are used for other operations, such as container traffic etc, therefore this business has priority, and the quays can only be used on days when free,” explains Michael Larsen, Port of Kalundborg. “For longer period lay-bys etc we only have three smaller quays available: Quay 9 - 230m long but maximum length overall 160m/6.6m water depth (max draught up to the ship/pilot); Quay 4 - 100m/8m; Quay 3 - 120m/7.4m. Additional security measures are being implemented to make sure neither crew goes ashore or public goes to the ship. Larsen adds: “Kalundborg has a sheltered bay with good anchorage areas for even the biggest ships. From here provisions etc can be supplied by supply boats”.

The Port of Lyngdal is closed due to the coronavirus but anchorage is still available. To prevent the spread of the virus, the Chief of Police has decided to refuse foreign crew members shore leave in all ports in the Southwestern Police District, according to Anne Grete Loland, tourism manager, Lyngdal Kommune. The decision means that foreign crew members are not allowed to leave the ISPS area. The first call this year is expected on May 27.

The Port of Roenne is open to ships up to 350m with a water depth of 9m to 11m until May 1 but possibly longer depending on the present situation, according to Niels Lundberg, chief business officer cruise & PSO Port of Roenne. Crew restrictions would be according to the Danish Health Authorities.

St Malo can take cruise ships but only in the inner port (150m length overall entering by the lock). They will not be allowed on the mooring buoys. At least two vessels can be accommodated, but the cruise line should call the harbour master who will give the last decision and provide information about restrictions for crew, place and quantity, says Luis Lezcano, development director cruise Port of Saint-Malo & Cancale.

As at March 20, there are no restrictions in the Port of Seydisfjordur. One ship up to 150m long and with a maximum draught of 6m can be accommodated for as long as needed. Crew provisions would be arranged as and when needed, explains Adalheidur Borgthorsdottir, mayor, and managing director Port of Seydisfjordur. All quarantine and other guidelines issued by the Icelandic authorities must be strictly followed.

The Port of Southampton and ABP’s other UK ports remain open for business and continues to support the disembarkation and varied requirements of several cruise vessels. “With the situation changing daily, we are being as flexible as we can in providing options for operations, layup and anchorage for the full range of cruiseships in Southampton and across our 21 UK ports. We are working with all relevant bodies and partners to ensure this is carried out in the safest and most efficient way possible,” says Rebekah Keeler, commercial manager Associated British Ports (ABP).

As far as Spanish ports are concerned, cruise ships have not been allowed to call since March 13 at 00.00, with an extension until March 15 for disembarking passengers that return home. There is no common policy for ships requesting lay-by until return of operations. Further information is awaited.

The Finnish borders were closed as of 19 March but ports will stay open for necessary goods traffic, explains Antti Pekanheimo, coo Port of Turku. “However the Port of Turku might be able to receive cruise vessels lay-up under certain conditions for a short period of time. The berth places for larger vessels are reserved for the needs of liner traffic. Small vessels with a maximum length of 120m could be placed along the river Aura near the port. This is considered case by case.”

The Port of Ventspils is open to cruise ships up to a length of 240m but mooring dates and time will have to be set in advance in order tor avoid disturbing regular ferry traffic, says Artis Senkevics, head of commercial department Noord Natie Ventspils Terminals. Additional information will be needed in terms of crew provisions, security and health checks.

CE member ports continue to provide information on available facilities.

Victim of COVID-19: Stena Line closes the Oslo-Frederikshavn route

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 March 2020 21 March 2020

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel restrictions imposed by several countries, Stena Line has, like many other companies within the travel industry, seen a drastic decline in travel bookings. The effect has been the worst in Scandinavia and on Saturday, 14 March, Stena Line stopped operating the Oslo - Frederikshavn route until further notice. On Thursday 19 March the decision was made to permanently close the route after more than 40 years in operation.

The decision means Stena Line will close their office in Oslo which will affect 30 shore-based employees. The vessel Stena Saga is currently in lay up in its port of registry, Gothenburg.

”This is a tough decision to make, but we are experiencing tough times in general as a company. The Oslo-Frederikshavn route is totally dependent on its passenger service and summer peak season. We estimate that we due to the Coronavirus won´t have a peak season this year and we simply can´t afford to wait and hope until next year," says Niclas Mårtensson, CEO Stena Line.

MedCruise Association announces its support for cruise industry

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 March 2020 17 March 2020

MedCruise Association announced today, that it would like to show its support to all of its Port Members and Associate Members that are dealing the impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 as well as to all the cruise industry community and partners.

"MedCruise Association is a great family composed by 73 Port Members (representing more than 135 ports) and 33 Associate Members from 21 different countries, some of them being unfortunately affected by the above mentioned COVID-19. MedCruise recommends to follow the preventive measures taken by World Health Organisation (WHO), Governments, National Health Institutions and Centres for Diseases and Prevention," MedCruise continued in its statement.

"The Cruise Industry is being affected by the situation as its regular activity is directly concerned by the preventive measures taken by some countries such as severe mobility measures inside the national territories and banning flights from certain destinations. Moreover, Cruise Lines had been forced to cancel their programs in many regions, having a direct impact on the cruise calls and cruise passengers that manage our ports and visit our destinations, after WHO announced COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on 12 March."

“I would hereby like to express my support to all the countries and regions being affected and also to transmit a message of calm. Right now, it is time to assist your clients, support them and try to find solutions to their challenges”, said Airam Díaz Pastor, President of MedCruise. “This situation will have a big economic impact in our companies as well as in our communities. However, I am pretty sure that with our work and commitment, we will get over this challenging but also temporary period. We need also to encourage our companies and societies to help in mitigating this slow down on the cruise industry. I believe this will make us even stronger and we will learn from this situation,” added Díaz Pastor.

Fincantieri to suspend production activities for two weeks

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 March 2020 13 March 2020

Following the Coronavirus emergency and in order to apply the measures that the Italian Government has gradually determined, Fincantieri has promptly carried out a series of actions aimed at preventing and countering the chance of infections in its shipyards.

In line with this, Fincantieri considers its key priorities – once again – the protection of its personnel and subcontractors, as well as meeting the current needs of our country. For this reason, and as requested by the Italian trade unions in the March 12 press release of the FIM, FIOM, and UILM secretariats, the company decided to suspend production activities at the Italian sites of Fincantieri SpA. From March 16 to March 29, the production will be suspended through the anticipation of the collective holidays with respect to their traditional use in the summer period.

"This decision has been taken considering that the suspension of activities for a 14 day-period is consistent with the indications imposed by the health authorities regarding quarantine in order to reduce the chance of infection, meet the government restriction measures, as well as allow all the workers to carry out appropriate actions to tackle emergency.
The chosen solution, once the situation is normalized, would allow to restart again at full power in order to protect the future of our company and of our country, without resulting in an economic loss for the workers," Fincantieri said in a statement.

"Only by doing so, with a small sacrifice compared to Italy’s state of emergency, we will avoid jeopardizing our future while protecting the company's operational continuity, as well as maintaining the employment levels and the trustworthiness gained by Fincantieri with its domestic and foreign customers, which can be assured that, once the situation is normalized, the following ship deliveries will be performed in compliance with the contractual deadlines."