Reference is made to prior circulars on the EU sanctions against Russia.
Earlier this year the Black Sea Grain Initiative was announced following negotiations between UN, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia. The Initiative was aimed at allowing safe transportation of agricultural products across the Black Sea in order to stabilize food markets worldwide.
Last week it was agreed to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative for another 120 days allowing the Ukrainian ports of Odessa, Pivdenniy (ex-Yuzhny) and Chornomorsk ports to continue to operate in the usual regime for the grain and related cargoes as per the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Vessel operating under the Initiative remain subject to inspection by the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) after which they can proceed directly to the load port.
Members should note that Vessels which visit any of the Crimean ports: Sevastopol, Yalta, Kerch and Feodosia, after March 2014 will be prohibited from entering Ukrainian ports. We have also been advised by local correspondents that there also still exist a risk of floating mines at the North-West part of the Black Sea.
Members operating vessels to/from Black Sea area should furthermore note that the Turkish authorities have announced that as from 01 December 2022, any oil carriers carrying crude oil of Russian origin without valid P&I insurance will be prohibited from passing Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. Shipowners will need to provide a letter from their P&I club stating the ship details, cargo and voyage and confirming that P&I insurance is valid and inclusive for the ship, voyage and cargo.
In case of any further questions in relating to the subject of this article or any voyage related queries, members are invited to kindly contact NNPC at claims@nnpc.nl.
