Georgia. Maritime transport regime in the TRACECA region in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic as of April 15, 2020

According to the latest Orders of the Ministry of Economy of Georgia, all vessels entering the country's ports must submit a Marine Health Declaration with annexes for the crew and passengers at least 24 hours before the call. 

The vessel 's captain is also responsible for the health of the vessel 's crew and passengers during parking and waiting, and must immediately report any suspicious symptoms of people on board to the port authorities.

If a vessel, its crew, or passengers have visited the high-risk countries (China, Iran, Korea, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, or Austria) for 21 days, they are subjected to temperature screening.

If the documents submitted by the vessel indicate that there is a suspicion of COVID-19 infection, or if the case of infection on board is confirmed after inspection, all possible contact with the vessel is restricted, in accordance with the WHO recommendations.

Pilots, Port State Control officials and other related employees working in the ports of Georgia must use the personal protective equipment, including masks, disposable gloves, and protective glasses. 

Starting from March 21, all Port State Control employees are required to undergo temperature screening and inspections several times a day.

The port captains are responsible for observing the inspection schedule for all personnel, including pilots, and must ensure that the personal protective equipment is always used during the contact with vessels. 

At the same time, the cargo turnover of ports in Georgia has increased.Cargo turnover of the Georgian ports of Batumi and Poti for the first quarter of 2020 increased by 9% according to the Press Service of the Government of Georgia, as of April 4, 2020.

In the first quarter of 2020, 144,897 TEUs were processed in the ports of Georgia. The port of Batumi processed 102% more cargo, 36,436 TEU, in addition, the collection of general (piece) cargo increased by 62%.

Two container ships entered Batumi, one of them carrying 40 tons of food, the other 23 tons of food and medicine. 

Mr. Giorgi Gakharia, the Prime Minister of Georgia noted that under the conditions of quarantine and crisis, it is necessary to continue the work of ports of Georgia, since the food and essential items are imported through them.

Ports are regularly disinfected and all personnel are provided with the personal protective equipment. If necessary, disinfection is also performed for the cargo.

More detailed information can be found at the link:
https://sudohodstvo.org/karantin-na-chernom-more/

The information provided is relevant at the time of publication and may be subject to changes in the future.