Vessels that arrive at the Queensland Ports of Gladstone Port Alma and Bundaberg will be allowed to berth on arrival as of 23:59 hours on Friday 15 May.
Maritime Safety Queensland has advised Shipping Australia that the rules on when ships can approach port at the these ports have been aligned with the Port of Brisbane and the Port of Townsville from midnight Friday 15 May.
All other Queensland ports remain subject to the General Manager’s Direction issued 18 March, that ships must not enter Queensland pilotage areas until 14 days had passed since the ship’s departure from and overseas port (unless country specific, shipping line or individual exemptions have been obtained).
Maritime Safety Queensland advised that the rules that apply to vessels inbound to Queensland have been under continual evidence-based assessment. It adds that the current goal is to align Queensland’s measures with the measures endorsed by the National Cabinet on 9 April 2020.
Shipping Australia welcomes this positive move by Maritime Safety Queensland during these difficult times when reducing impediments to shipping is particularly important.
