Challenging times call for creativity, and at Clyde we are fortunate that our long heritage in Marine and Offshore logistics means we have developed a strong relationship with ports around the world, but in these particularly challenging times we wanted to highlight the case of Gibraltar.
Past experience and knowledge of the legislation for this particular port, enabled a Clyde customer to successfully complete crew changes recently from rigs that were moved to Gibraltar, something that you may want to consider for your own organisation as you contemplate how best to enable crew changes during this ongoing COVID-19 scenario.
Below are some facts and figures regarding crew changes through Gibraltar as they currently stand:
- Gibraltar has a transit agreement with London Heathrow, permitting crews to transit within 24 hours provided they have a Letter of Guarantee from a shipping agent registered in Gibraltar, their passport and the Seafarers Book upon arrival to Immigration at Gibraltar Airport
- Gibraltar maintains great connectivity despite the reduction in commercial flights (*Provided that Gibraltar Port Authority Crew Change protocol for COVID-19, detailed at the end of this information is adhered to)
- Gibraltar experiences 20,000+ crew changes p.a. and have 10,000+ ships visiting the port p.a.
- The Airport is just a 5-minute transfer by road to the port making onshore transfers cost effective
- The port of Gibraltar has an excellent standard of workboats to facilitate crew changes. These workboats are state of the art, purpose-built vessels, subjected to rigorous annual checks by the Gibraltar Port Authority and Maritime Administration
- Being a natural harbour with deep sheltered waters the Port operations are very rarely affected by weather and operations. (Off Port Limits crew changes are available during normal operating conditions pre and post COVID)
- Hotel accommodation is readily available, properties remain open and equipped to deal with crew changes and the new social distancing requirements
More about the Port capabilities:
- Off Port Limits crew changes are available during normal operating conditions pre and post COVID. Ships transiting the Strait of Gibraltar, but not wishing to come off charter or leave international waters, can take advantage of the significant off-port limit operations undertaken by local companies
- These services include receiving stores, spares, provisions and even a change of crew while still offshore, thus avoiding the time and expense of putting into the Port
- Gibraltar is the largest bunkering port in the Mediterranean and its bunkering companies continue to go from strength to strength, bunkering continues to be the main activity within the Port of Gibraltar
- Gibraltar also offers a complete spectrum of maritime services including stores, spares, provisions, all types of surveys, underwater cleaning / inspections,
- The Gibraltar Maritime Academy will soon be opening offering STCW training courses in new cutting edge facilitates. BSc (Hons) Maritime Science Degrees with Cadetships (Deck and Engine) will also be offered in conjunction with the University of Gibraltar. All courses will be UK-aligned to Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and be approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
- Crew will be able to capitalise and complete refresher training, while completing a crew change, maximising the time during the port call
- Gibraltar Port is a Maritime ‘Centre of Excellence’ and known as a ‘one stop shop’ offering the complete spectrum of maritime services during a vessel call and even allowing the same including crew changes during these very challenging COVID times
For specific company requirements we have a local contact working with the government to enhance any procedures required.
For further information please contact sales@clydetravel.com
*Disembarkation Requirements:
- No OPL crew changes allowed – vessel must be at anchor
- Vessel disembarking crew cannot depart Gibraltar until crew have boarded the aircraft
- In case of flight cancellation, crew to be returned to vessel – master to confirm acceptance of this in writing
- Disembarking crew to confirm free of any symptoms for past 14 days – vessel’s master to provide official declaration
- Agent to arrange special transport provisions – transportation from Port to Airport is to be using designated transport facilities, managed by HMGoG’s office for Civil Contingencies.
- Agent launch crew to avoid close contact with disembarking crew
- No Hotel stay allowed
Embarking Crew Requirements:
- No OPL crew changes allowed – vessel must be at anchor
- Onsigners to be isolated in their hotel rooms for stay.
- Only designated hotel to be used here hotel stay is required. This hotel facility is being managed by HMGoG’s office for Civil Contingencies
- Agent to arrange special transport provisions – transportation from Airport to Hotel and to Port is to be using designated transport facilities, managed by HMGoG’s office for Civil Contingencies.
- Agent launch crew to avoid close contact with embarking crew
