News

20 March 2020

COVID-19 General Notice

Dear colleagues,

In view of the ever-changing developments with the COVID-19 regulations, ARRC LINE is keeping close communication with our partners to assure our service runs business as usual. With some European countries on lockdown, and increasing rates of infections in the USA, we would like to assure you that our service is still fully operational without any changes. We are closely monitoring the recommendations of the CDC, and of the federal and state government regulations to remain compliant with the safety of our staff, our crew, our vessels, and the cargo we carry.

We would like to share with you the following updates:

St. Petersburg: The Federal Government has closed its borders to all foreign nationals except for the movement of cargo. This has no implication on our service, and the port remains open for business.

Canada/USA: Wednesday morning Prime Minister Trudeau announced the closure of the land border to the USA to all non-essential private travel between the two countries. We have received multiple inquiries regarding the movement of freight, and after discussing with our intermodal partners, we would like to assure you that there will be minimal impact to freight moves.

Houston: On the evening of March 18th, two container terminals in the Port of Houston, Bayport and Barbours Cut, were closed due to a confirmed COVID-19 case. They have now since reopened, and although we understand this may cause concern regarding overall port operations in Houston, we assure you that our operations at Manchester Terminal are still running smoothly without interruption. The Houston Ship Channel and the 200-plus private terminals that comprise the greater Port of Houston are still operating.

Philadelphia: On March 16th, the Governor of Pennsylvania announced that all non-essential businesses are to close beginning on March 17th. As stated by the Emergency Order Temporarily Prohibiting Operation of Non-Essential Businesses dated March 17th, the governor indicated that both ports and port-related functions, and manufacturing, industrial production, and warehousing are deemed to be essential infrastructure and are to remain open. We would like to assure you that our calls to Tioga Marine Terminal remain fully operational, and we do not see any disruptions to our service. The full proclamation can be found here.

Baltimore: Steinweg Terminal remains fully functional, with precautions put in place in order to keep health and safety a top priority. Increased regulations are now in effect for all external parties, such as trucking companies entering the terminal area. All visitors are required to complete a Steinweg Health Declaration Form upon entry to the facilities, so some delays are to be expected to keep the health and the safety of the terminal and stevedoring staff. Please contact us for more information.

Antwerp: There has understandably been confusion about the future potential of cargo and vessel movement in Antwerp as some European countries are now in full lockdown. The Port of Antwerp had a meeting yesterday morning which confirmed that the Port is considered as essential national infrastructure, which translates to the port and terminals remaining 100% operational. There have been strict screening procedures and minimal human contact where documentation is exchanged. ARRC LINE’s Transatlantic and European services remain committed to calling the Port of Antwerp on their respective schedules. Full article link can be found here.

As we are an international shipping companies with 6 offices in 4 countries, we remain vigilant in keeping our customers, partners, and suppliers updated with the most recent information available.

Our service portfolio has not changed, and we remain open for business, capable of carrying all types of cargoes from general break-bulk, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, bulk, project and high & heavy, and containers. With our priority berthing arrangements at all of our liner ports of call in the USA, any disruptions or confusion in service at other terminals and shipping lines will not affect our the quality of our USA transatlantic service.

Many of our employees are either working from home, or have blended schedules between home and the office. In any case, we are always accessible by phone and by email. We are pleased to invite you to contact us for any questions, concerns, and freight inquiries.

Best Regards, and stay safe,

ARRC LINE