Black Sea/Azov Sea, Russia - Updates

The UK Club has received the attached loss prevention circulars from Axis Ltd, regarding recent developments in the Black Sea and Azov Sea regions.

Vessels calling at Kavkaz and Novorossiysk for bunker stem may face operational delays different for each port, and these delays can be prolonged by weather factor.

• Novorossiysk

Delays in arranging the inward or outward clearance formalities are primarily associated with periodical unavailability of the customs officer to work at number of duty officers in a day or night s onboard.

• Kavkaz

A service boat with the formalities team departs from shore terminal every morning-noon to return the next day early morning. The way to the outer roads takes 2.5-3.5 hours on average and in order to get back ashore in due time, the formalities are unlikely to board any vessel after 01:30-02:00 a.m. except very rare occasions.

In case the vessel is in the schedule for the outward clearance formalities but the bunkering is not complete before this time, the clearance will be postponed to the afternoon - evening time when the next boat arrives from Kavkaz shore terminal.

Each team consisting of the customs and immigrations officers would normally visit 3-4 vessels per working shift, depending on the time they leave terminal and other factors. If the vessel is the 4th or 5th in the list for clearance her chances to pass formalities are low.

If you have any questions on the attachments, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your usual contact at the UK Club who will be pleased to assist you.