By Port gets green light for new Covid-19 measures
Portsmouth International Port has become one of the first in the UK to be recognised for its new rules to reduce the risk of Covid-19.
This comes after one of the world’s leading certification bodies, DNV GL, carried out a special assessment developed to help companies show they have adopted effective infection prevention measures as services resume after lockdown.
Portsmouth is a major transport hub and with passenger sailings operating again between France and Spain, and its continued role as a lifeline route for the Channel Islands, the port had to quickly adopt government safety measures to protect staff and customers.
Andrew Williamson, passenger operations manager at Portsmouth International Port, said: “Our aim was to give passengers confidence that the new preventative measures we have put into place are of the highest standard, and to highlight the benefits of international travel by sea.
“This verification from DNV GL provides further reassurance about the efforts we are taking to keep them safe.
“The whole port has worked together to make sure we can carry operations with the highest level of care.”
Along with a newly installed thermal imaging scanner to check the temperature of staff and available for customers too, the terminal has been reconfigured into a one-way flow system with reduced capacity and space for social distancing.
Face coverings have become mandatory for anyone travelling through the terminal, and cleaning practices have been enhanced through investments in the latest technologies.
Aileen Orr, UK Healthcare Lead in DNV GL, said: “The port demonstrated evidence of a well‐considered approach to managing infection risk, with alignment to the latest international, local guidelines and relevant industry bodies.
“This demonstrates the Port’s willingness to take the necessary steps to make their passengers’ journey as safe and comfortable as possible.”
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