Shipping companies may need to apply for permission
The West of England P&I Club informs that the Ukrainian government has enacted new legislation regarding the Crimean region which it considers to be temporarily occupied territory.
The new legislation affects vessels which intend to visit a port in Crimea and call at a Ukrainian port thereafter. The precise administrative requirements for performing such a voyage are unclear at present, but it is thought that shipping companies may need to apply for permission from the Ukrainian authorities beforehand.
The possible penalties for failing to comply with the new legislation appear to be wide ranging and include confiscation of the vessel and detention. Moreover, crewmembers may be fined and banned from entering the Ukraine and sent back to Crimea or their home country. In extreme cases crewmembers may be imprisoned for up to three years.
The Club advises operators with vessels proceeding to Ukraine after calling at a port in Crimea, to check with their Ukrainian port agent to determine what steps they should take to ensure that no difficulties are encountered.
This information reported to the Club by its correspondents Dias Marine Consulting PC, Odessa. Further details may be found at the following article http://www.dias-co.com/index.php?page=114
Source:The West of England P&I Club
