The NorthStandard notes that the current situation in Ukraine is fast moving as dangerous sea areas and changes in the operational status of ports may occur at any time. In that regard, it provides updates as received from its correspondents, advising operators to contact local agents for the latest advice should you have a vessel trading to Ukraine.
As of March 3rd, 203, Bulgarian ports are operating normally under MARSEC Level 1. There are no restrictions on the movement or stay of ships at ports or roads. In January 2023, two contact mines were discovered – one by a transiting vessel and the other seen from shore. Both instances were in the north of Bulgaria and subsequently the mines were destroyed by the Navy. The Bulgarian Naval forces conduct occasional patrolling in a limited perimeter.
Operations at Constantza port are normal – only the traffic of the port has increased as cargoes for Ukraine are now imported/exported through Constantza. Four drifting mines have been spotted and neutralized by the Romanian navy. The Romanian Hydrographic authority issued a warning, recommending all vessels sailing to and from Romanian ports, to follow certain navigational routes to reduce the risks caused by possible presence of drifting
On 14 February 2023, a free floating mine which had not been detected came in contact with a pier structure in the Black Sea coast of Istanbul, leading to material damage on a restaurant found on the pier, with no injury or loss of life reported. All Turkish Black Sea ports and the Straits are operating regularly. The security levels at all ports are still 1 and there are no sailing restrictions in the region.
