Singapore rolls out Covid vaccines to maritime workers

Singapore is aiming to vaccinate 10,000 frontline maritime workers against Covid-19 by the end of January following recent cases linked to the sector.

Singapore is one of the first countries to prioritise vaccinating such workers, the country's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) said. It defines frontline maritime personnel as "port workers, harbour pilots, cargo officers, marine surveyors and marine superintendents who are required to work onboard ships in the port and who come in contact with people from outside Singapore".

Vaccines have already been given to 700 people and the MPA has received about 6,000 vaccination registrations this week.

The MPA tested some 27,000 shore-based personnel from 2-8 January in an attempt to safeguard the entire maritime sector. Those who have completed their full course of vaccination will require less frequent testing for Covid-19, it said.

The announcement came after the MPA strengthened requirements for shore-based personnel boarding vessels effective from 15 January, including providing proof of a negative Covid-19 test.

The enhanced measures follow the discovery of a Covid-19 cluster on board the NewOcean6 bunker tanker on 6 January. The vessel was subsequently quarantined and ceased all operations.

Singapore is stepping up the vaccination drive and safety requirements to protect its maritime sector. The country has one of the busiest ports in the world and is the largest bunkering hub and container trans-shipment hub.

Singapore's coronavirus outbreak is largely under control, with just 15 confirmed community infections in the last week, although some recent cases have been linked to workers at the country's port and airport.

Singapore bunker sales rose to 49.83mn t in 2020, a 5pc increase from 2019, despite the disruptions caused by Covid-19 and the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) sulphur cap.

By Sammy Six