New Requirements on Queensland Port Entry in response to containing the COVID-19 outbreak 19 March 2020

Dear Customers,

Advice has been received that the Queensland Maritime Safety Authority has introduced additional isolation and border recommendations in response to containing the COVID-19 outbreak.

Requirements have been introduced for Queensland (Brisbane port) that vessels cannot enter a Queensland pilotage area until 14 days have elapsed since the vessel left any country outside Australia however MSQ have made exemptions to the directive for the following countries NZ, PNG and South West Pacific Nations (to be defined by specific island states). This applies to all vessels that have departed outside Australia after 15th March 2359 AST. At this point in time, these controls do not apply for other Australian ports were pre-existing measures remain in place e.g where currently vessels cannot berth until 14 days have elapsed since the vessel left any port within Mainland China.

Shipping lines are working on contingency plans to minimize disruption which may include changes to port rotations, slower sailings or other measures however we imagine to see some unexpected vessel delays in the short term especially for cargo from transshipment hubs with shorter sailings such as Singapore.

We will endeavor to make contact as soon as possible to any customers we see are impacted however please feel free to reach out to your SILA Global contacts at any time.

Best regards,

SILA Customer Service