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Initiative underway to vaccinate crew at Civitavecchia port

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The dedicated port vaccine hub where crew and seafarers will be vaccinated – part of the port's efforts to facilitate a return to pre-pandemic operational levels
Crew members arriving at the Port of Civitavecchia are being offered a vaccine against COVID-19, owing to a joint effort by Civitavecchia’s port authority and occupational safety and health service, ASL Roma 4.

An invite was issued last week through local agencies, inviting crew members to get registered as the port prepares to welcome back more passengers.

Supporting crew and seafarers during shutdown

During the global shutdown, up to 14 cruise ships were laid up at Civitavecchia port, with all lay-up fees revoked for those residing at its quays.

Pino Musolino, president, Port Authority of Civitavecchia said, ‘Hosting several vessels in port that were “stuck” here due to COVID-19…[meant] we had to take full care of crew members and seafarers. We have therefore worked equally hard, with the other public authorities and the terminal operator, to grant the right to receive a vaccination in port for all crew members, no matter what nationality they hold.’

He went on to add, ‘We have worked hard to create the best possible conditions for the restarting of the cruise operations in our ports – we managed to do so already back in January 2021, in the midst of the second wave of the pandemic.’

John Portelli, general manager, Roma Cruise Terminal hastened to add that ‘the assistance provided to these ships – starting with the agencies, the local authorities and nautical and marine services – was second to none,’ commenting that it ‘is demonstrative of the bond binding the various stakeholders, with the cruise ships, calling at Civitavecchia.’ 

Rising to the challenge

Musolino went on to express enthusiasm for those operating vessels, while recognising recent challenges, ‘It has been tough work,’ he said, ‘but…we are proud to say we are starting with the vaccinations soon.

‘We welcome the ships when they are sailing and in operation, and we are welcoming – even more, with open arms – the women and men that are operating them, providing vital support in this crucial, difficult period.’

Describing it as another ‘first’ for the port, Portelli went on to say, ‘Civitavecchia was one of the first cruise ports to welcome transit and turnaround calls following the restart in operations. We are now sharing our restart experience, as we did with our operations procedures, with other terminal operators…’

Creating safer spaces

Cristina Matranga, general manager, ASL Roma 4 concluded, ‘crew members’ vaccination will provide higher safety conditions for workers, passengers and cities that will host disembarkations.’