Ukrainian and Russian waters in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov have been added as a precautionary measure to the Listed Areas by the Joint War Committee. A copy of JWLA-028 issued on 15 February 2022 can be accessed here.
A Ukraine Correspondent, Dias Marine Consulting PC, has provided the below update on the situation at Ukraine Ports:
·“Gosgidrografiya (the State Department of Maritime and River Transport of Ukraine Ministry of Transport and Communications of Ukraine) has determined a corridor for the safe entry of merchant ships into Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea. The depth is confirmed at the level of 15-22.5 meters, as per the press service of the Ministry report of Tuesday 15 February 2022.
·It was indicated that blocking the work of the Black Sea ports of Ukraine was not allowed. A certain corridor guarantees ships safe passage through the Odessa Bay.
·Over the past day, uninterrupted traffic of merchant ships was recorded. Most of the ships adhered to the recommendations and used the sea corridor, bypassing the zone of illegal military exercises of the Russian Federation.
·Recall, on February 9, it became known that the Russian Federation would block the passage of merchant ships in the Black and Azov Seas. At the time of the Russian military exercises in the waters of the seas, no corridors were provided for the passage of merchant ships. Later it became known that the Russian Federation lifted the blocking of the Sea of Azov.
·Details of restrictions on navigation segregated areas "Closed for navigation"/"Navigation Prohibited" are reported directly to the Masters through the NAVTEX system installed on the vessels and even more precise details are sent through the ECDIS system. Vessels proceeding in this area are advised not to ignore such updates and avoid crossing in areas that are closed for navigation. This situation is expected to continue until 19 February 2022.”
Should the Club learn of any changes to the above, a further News Alert will be sent. In the meantime, Members planning to call at Ukrainian ports should be duly diligent in assessing the situation including contacting local agents or correspondents or their usual Club contact for the latest information.
The opinions expressed herein are the author's and not necessarily those of The Xinde Marine News.
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