The British Ports Association (BPA) said in a statement that the study is a component of the BPA's Port Futures Programme, which examines new and forward-thinking trends in the ports industry. During the COVID-19 epidemic, it offers a list of issues that operators should examine as part of their risk assessment and management strategies.
Michael Yarwood, Managing Director for Loss Prevention at TT Club, offered the following commentary on the report that his organization produced for the British Ports Association (BPA): "Like many other industries that 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.
"Ports must continue to support their personnel and ensure that all risks are managed as effectively as they possibly can. This includes social distancing, cleaning facilities, personal protection equipment, shift patterns, communications, remote working, and health and well-being.
The United Kingdom's ports had "shown their fortitude" by continuing to facilitate 95% of the country's trade despite the lockout that was in place during that time. They have been an extremely important passageway for the delivery of food, fuel, and medical supplies.
Because of this, the government has designated those working in ports as "important personnel," and the British Ports Association (BPA) has stated that these workers will continue to require support when the lockdown is gradually removed.
Sara Walsh, Manager of Corporate Services at the British Ports Association, had the following to say in response to the report published by the TT Club:
"All ports in the UK are under a lot of demand during this rather unusual and hard moment.
"They are being forced to make difficult decisions about how to best maintain their workforce in order to ensure that critical tasks are completed and legal duties are met, while also providing support for employees who are working from home or are isolating themselves from the rest of the workforce."
"We are pleased to be working with TT Club to produce this short paper that addresses some of the key things that UK ports and terminals must continue to prioritise when managing their workforce during COVID-19 and its immediate aftermath. This paper addresses some of the key things that UK ports and terminals must continue to prioritise when managing their workforce.
"The marine industry is unlike any other and has collaborated throughout this unprecedented time to overcome the problems faced to the best of its ability while simultaneously guaranteeing that food, medicines, energy, fuel, and other products continue to flow into the country."
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