fase 2 - Singapore reopening

Singapore has entered Fase 2 of the reopening process.
Companies have been given the green light to restart operations, provided social distancing rules and employee tracking are implemented.
Retail businesses and shopping malls have reopened as well. Selected businesses such as cinema's, fast food and entertainment outlets are still on a limited occupancy regime. Restaurants may open with strict occupation regulations.

Due to high levels of Covid-19 infections in the dormitories, there still is a shortage of shipyard and construction workers.
Crew change has been allowed under strict compliance with Health and Immigration conditions.

opl deliveries - clarification

Some OPL supply boat companies have decided to resume OPL deliveries from Singapore.
OPL deliveries are against the explicit wish of MPA, but as Singapore intends to keep its borders open for international shipping, authorities cannot stop vessels from passing Singapore borders at sea.
It has been made very clear to all OPL boat operators that if OPL operations cause harm to Singapore Residents or shipping crew, the OPL boat operator shall be held accountable and liable to the fullest extend of the law.

Ship owners and managers need to consider:

There are no records of prior interaction of OPL crew with crew from other vessels/nations.

OPL boats do not have to submit a "Maritime Health Declaration" to authorities on their return to Singapore.

The health status of OPL crew cannot be guaranteed.

Vessels with infected crew, suspected to have been infected by OPL boat crew, may not receive approval from authorities to return to Singapore.

Any vessel engaged in OPL supplies originating from the Port of Singapore, may not be able to appeal to Singapore for assistance in case of health emergencies.

Prior cases have shown that infected vessels will likely be barred by all APAC countries from entering ports.

MPA has advised that vessels wanting to take supplies in Singapore are welcome to do so, but under the preferred condition they come into port limits and submit to health regulatory conditions and inspections. OPL supplies are considered socially irresponsible.

It therefore highly recommended that ship owners and managers carefully weigh risk versus benefits before they engage in OPL deliveries.
Sinwa prefers not to organize OPL supplies during this period and will refer owners and managers to their agents.