Vital equipment used to protect workers against coronavirus (COVID-19) is running out, a ports trade association has warned.
Container and commercial operations are continuing at ports across the UK, but the British Ports Association say that low supplies of health and safety equipment could soon impact operations.
"PPE supplies – sanitiser, masks etc – are beginning to run low in some ports and this may soon start to have a knock-on effect," said Richard Ballantyne, chief executive of the British Ports Association.
Ensuring ports have necessary protection such as sanitiser, masks and testing equipment will help them "continue to function effectively", while supporting supply chain resilience, explained Mr Ballantyne.
The British Ports Association has called on the Government to extend testing to port workers identified as key workers to ensure that critical goods continue to flow through ports.
Financial impact
In addition to health concerns, ports and port operators are under similar financial and economic pressures facing other industries.
"Some port operators are concerned about cash flow issues and the impact on the financial status of their customers, particularly ferry companies and other passenger focused activities such as cruises," said Mr Ballantyne. "There are also planned slow downs such as in automotive manufacturing which could be costly for the port and logistics industry. Government support packages have been welcomed by ports."
