TRANSNET National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed the arrival of three cruise ships in Algoa Bay.
The purpose of their visit is to refuel and restock under strict Covid-19 safety protocols.
The Carnival Conquest, Carnival Dream and Carnival Liberty all arrived in the Bay on Monday. One of the cruise ships is carrying 1 601 crew members, four of whom are South African.
These ships are part of nine cruise ships expected to arrive in different South African ports from abroad.
South African ports have been considering requests on a case by case basis from cruise ships urgently seeking permission to dock in order to refuel, restock provisions or to repatriate South African crew.
None of the cruise ships currently calling have any passengers on board.
Acting Chief Harbour Master at Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), Captain Sabelo Mdlalose, said: “The banning of cruise ships operations at a number of ports globally, including South Africa, due to the Covid-19 outbreak has left the cruise industry in limbo.
“These ships would have disembarked passengers several weeks ago elsewhere .
“Their crews have had to remain on board for an extended period as the ships make their way across the globe.
“As the port landlord, TNPA works closely with the Department of Transport and the South African Maritime Safety Authority to ensure the safety and security of shipping, as is required by any signatory of the International Maritime Organization.
“This means we have a duty to assist ships requiring essential services like bunkering and replenishment of supplies, as this becomes an issue of safety of life at sea.
However, we ensure that all safety precautions are taken and that a risk assessment is conducted for each ship by the Joint Operations Centre at each port.”
South Africa’s 2019-20 cruise ship season typically ends in late April to early May.
Ministerial Regulations signed into effect by Minister of Transport, Honourable Fikile Mbalula, on 18 March 2020 prohibited further cruise ship calls unless for disembarkation of a returning South African citizen and/or a permanent resident, or embarkation of a departing foreign national.
“We assure South Africans that these ships are being managed in accordance with the regulations and all Covid-19 protocols, including ensuring that the ships have been at sea for a 14-day quarantine period before docking in South Africa.
“Disembarking individuals go into quarantine when they come ashore,” said Captain Mdlalose.
