TT Club has prepared guidance for UK ports and terminals designed to support their risk assessment and management efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak.

UK ports have demonstrated impressive levels of resilience by continuing to facilitate 95% of the UK's trade throughout lockdown including half of the country’s food imports, and medicines, energy and fuel.

Commenting on the report, published with British Ports Association, Michael Yarwood, TT Club’s managing director for Loss Prevention, said: “Like many other sectors who have 'key workers', those who work at UK ports and terminals are in a unique position as the vast majority of roles cannot be performed at home.

"We have compiled a list of factors operators should consider as part of their risk assessments and management plans during the COVID-19 outbreak. From social distancing, cleaning facilities, personal protective equipment, shift patterns, communications to remote working and health and well-being, ports must continue to support their staff and ensure all risks are managed as best they can be."

Sara Walsh, corporate services manager at the British Ports Association added: “During this rather unusual and challenging time, all UK ports are under a lot of pressure. They are having to make difficult decisions about how best to maintain their workforce so critical tasks are performed and legal duties met, whilst also supporting staff who are working at home or are self-isolating.

"The maritime sector is like no other and has worked together during this unprecedented time to overcome the challenges faced as best it can whilst still ensuring food, medicines, energy, fuel and other products continue to flow into the country.”

The TT Club paper is available here.

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