Seafarer security directive issued for Middle East

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it issued an advisory to shipowners, operators, and manning agencies to undertake measures to ensure the safety of seafarers plying Middle Eastern routes, in the wake of the Iran crisis.

The advisory was issued by the Maritime Industry Authority, a unit of the DoTr, following attacks on Iran by Israel and the US. It covers seafarers on vessels operating in and transiting the affected areas.

Separately, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it has seen no disruptions to shipping as a result of the Iran crisis.

“No direct operational routing issue on our ports, but any disruption could affect freight rates, bunker costs, and eventually cargo volumes,” PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago said via Viber on Tuesday.

Mr. Santiago added that much of the traffic likely to be affected by any disruptions will be energy-related.

“Exposure is primarily crude oil, refined petroleum products, and LNG (liquefied natural gas). There are also some petrochemicals and fertilizer imports, and limited containerized cargo from Gulf transshipment hubs like Jebel Ali (in the United Arab Emirates), but the bulk of the strategic exposure is energy-related,” Mr. Santiago said. — Ashley Erika O. Jose