Update on ports’ operations in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov

At the beginning of Russia’s invasion against Ukraine, the latter’s Ministry of Infrastructure ordered to shut down the seaports of Mariupol, Kherson, Berdiansk, and Skadovsk until Ukraine regains control over them.

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Now, Standard Club provides more information about how the ports in the area are operating today:

• All Ukrainian ports, apart from the port of Reni remain closed for inward as well as outward passages.
• The port of Reni in Ukraine is the only operating port in the region. Standard Club has been informed that no war-related incidents with foreign vessels have been reported. The port is very busy and as it is in shallow waters, only feeder vessels are able to load or discharge there.
• On 26 May 2022, it was reported that Russia was opening a humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea, however it remains unclear how this will work in practical terms due to the lack of tugs and pilots in Ukrainian ports.
• Russian ports based in the Sea of Azov have resumed working, but operations remain slow as it can take vessels up to 2 days to pass between Kerch Strait and the ports situated in the Eastern part of the sea, due to the safety measures in place.
• Ship-to-ship operations for shipments of grain cargoes has resumed in Russian ports in the Sea of Azov.

Due to the current hostilities and rapidly changing situation at Ukrainian and Russian ports, we strongly recommend that members contact their local agents or the club’s local correspondents in the Black Sea area for up-to-date information on these ports prior to calling there.

Standard Club said.

What is more, recently the Russian defence ministry said that civil vessels may safely use the Azov Sea port of Mariupol in Ukraine as the danger from mines has been eliminated