Russian forces have launched a full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine, attacking many locations across the country. Ukraine’s military has suspended commercial shipping at its ports, an adviser to the Ukrainian president’s chief of staff revealed, stoking fear of supply disruption from leading grain and oilseeds exporters.
On the morning of 24 Feb 2022, the Russian military is understood to have commenced operations within Ukraine, which is demonstrated to have included blocking access to the Sea of Azov.
All commercial operations at all seaports of Ukraine have been suspended by order of the Ukrainian military, according to the maritime security firm, Dryad Global.
“Any vessel currently within Ukrainian Ports should seek to leave immediately if deemed safe to do so. Vessels should ensure they are broadcasting on AIS and clearly state their intentions across VHF. Any vessels challenged by Russian military vessels should comply fully with instructions,” reports Dryad Global.
At this time, Dryad Global advises all commercial operators to avoid any transit or operation within the EEZ of Ukraine or Russia within the Black Sea, whilst commercial operations within the EEZ of Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania remain unaffected at the time of writing.
As the situation is currently changing rapidly, more sanctions announcements could be on the way, remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding the freedom of navigation throughout the wider Black Sea.
As such the primary risk to all ships and commercial operations operating beyond the major risk area remains one of commercial uncertainty rather than risk to the safety of the crew, according to a report by Dryad Global.
“Vessels and commercial operators are reminded to avoid all operations and transit within the EEZ of Russia and Ukraine at this time. No attempt should be made to access the Sea of Azov,” advised the maritime security company.
Dryad Global stated that Russia is not believed to hold any intent towards targeting any foreign or civilian vessels through military action. At the same time, an invasion of Ukrainian territory is underway it is assessed as unlikely that this would lead to a kinetic exchange between forces within the maritime domain, according to the analysts, who, however, note that despite this, all ships and commercial operators are pointed out to avoid the EEZ of Russia and Ukraine within the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
In the meantime, on 15 Feb 2022, the Joint War Committee added Ukrainian and Russian Waters in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov to the Hull war, Piracy, Terrorism, and Related Perils Listed Areas.
Practical guidelines to take immediately
- Take action immediately; do not wait and expect the situation to improve.
- Check your counterparts not only on shipments coming from or going to Russia but also where there is a Russian element in the transaction.
- Check your contracts to see whether you have solid and valid sanctions clauses that give you the right to reject orders and to terminate a charter party.
