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DP World UAE Region has implemented what it describes as “A rapid, resolute action plan” to secure the health and safety of its employees, protect its services and keep essential trade flowing in the midst of the global pandemic.
The company highlights the fact that many of its port and free zone operations, such as remotely operated quay cranes and automated gantry cranes and gates, are “inherently resilient” thanks to recent investments in technology. DP World UAE Region teams are now working on improving operational resilience still further through a host of initiatives, including segregating workforces, increasing cleaning and disinfection, providing transportation to get employees to work through lockdowns and arranging accommodation for employees near their place of work.
DP World is encouraging most of its UAE employees to work from home, and has installed thermal cameras at all operational buildings, entrances and gates to identify the body temperatures of individuals to facilitate the isolation of suspected COVID-19 cases.
Amongst other measures, DP World has deactivated all fingerprint scanners to prevent accidental COVID-19 contamination by users and social distancing is ensured during shift changes, including on buses transporting staff. Extensive disinfection and sanitisation has been implemented for all equipment, vehicles, offices and other physical assets throughout ports and free zone spaces.
Ship crews, arriving or departing, are required to pass through thermal cameras, provide health updates and obtain the Harbour Master’s approval before boarding or disembarking vessels. Arrangements have been made to provide hospitalisation facilities for crew members if required, DP World points out.
Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World UAE Region and CEO of Jafza, says, “Our people are our most valuable assets and we put their safety and health as our top priority. We have also taken every measure we can to keep trade flowing because our nation needs the goods we are moving, such as food and medical supplies, to face the crisis.”
