The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) said that in view of the extraordinary coronavirus-driven (COVID-19) crisis, all COVID-19 related content as well as port information on its website is for now “open and free for everyone,” the move aiming to assist the industry to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
On the BIMCO website, shipping companies can find information and advice related to crewing, port restrictions and contractual issues—as well as other matters—in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. The information is updated daily.
Initially, the content, which is restricted to registered members only, will be freely available for a period of three months, said BIMCO in a release on March 16.
An overview of the COVID-19 related content can be viewed here: https://www.bimco.org/covid19.
Meanwhile, the port information section on BIMCO’s website has also been opened for public access, the organization said in a March 20 release.
The section consists of information obtained through publicly available sources, intelligence provided by local members as well as information purchased from IHS Markit, BIMCO said.
“By using various sources, BIMCO can provide a detailed picture of the operative practicalities of individual ports, regions, states and countries,” it continued.
The modules included in the port information database depend on the administrative level: For national and regional/state level, the most frequently used modules are:
- Taxes and tariffs
- Restrictions and sanctions
- Environment
At port level, the most frequently used modules are:
- Information
- Access and navigation
- Facilities
Users will find the relevant holidays at all levels, which are frequently updated according to the latest available information. It is not unusual that charterers and owners agree to be guided by the BIMCO Holiday Calendar in order to avoid doubt over what is considered a holiday under the charter party.
“Where differences occur between what is stated in the Holiday Calendar and actual experience, either regarding holidays or working hours, we will always recommend seeking information on the BIMCO website which is continually updated. This may initially explain a discrepancy. Should further investigation be required, members can contact for further advice and guidance,” said BIMCO.
To access the port information, go to the Ships, ports and voyage planning section and use the orange search bar to find the country, region or port you are enquiring about.
