Associated British Ports release plans to keep Britain trading

In a statement released yesterday, Associated British Ports (ABP) says it’s committed to minimising disruption to its customers’ supply chains and preserving continuity of operational service across its ports.

ABP is working closely with the UK Government to facilitate Covid-19 management and recovery plans.






Key actions include:

  • Personnel providing critical roles (e.g. Pilots, Lock Controllers) being isolated and teams split to ensure continuity of services
  • Social distancing measures for anyone at Port locations are being enforced and all non-essential staff are working from home
  • Working with UK Government to facilitate COVID-19 management and recovery plans
  • Working closely with customers to support their continued operations

ABP says it’s continuing to liaise with all relevant health authorities to ensure its operations observe the most recent guidelines, and is asking customers to likewise respect the medical advice and adopt social distancing measures across the ports where possible.

Port of London

Meanwhile, the Port of London Authority (PLA) has applied key changes to its practices.

Operational teams in Marine Services, Hydrographic Surveying and Civil Engineering, who provide support to ensure river safety through provision of services and systems, will operate an on-call service for essential work only.

Harbour Service patrols in the upper district of the Thames (Teddington Lock to Putney) will cease; patrols in central London and downriver in the heart of the commercial port will continue.

All office staff will work from home, with travel into the office only in exceptional circumstances.

The Port of London is one of the two largest ports in the UK by tonnage of goods handled. The PLA Executive Committee meets daily via video conference, monitoring and adjusting its response to the developing situation.

“We will continue our core operations,” a statement says, “so that essentials continue to be available to families across London, the south east and more widely.”

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