Russian: Partial Limitation of foreign vessels transit in the Black Sea

The Club’s correspondent in the Ukraine, Dias Marine Consulting p.c, has provided the below update that as of 21.00 on 24 April 2021 till 21.00 on 31.10.2021 Russia will limit transit of foreign military ships and other foreign state-owned ships in three regions of the Black Sea within Russian territorial waters.

QUOTE

Notification 'Partial Limitation of foreign vessels transit in the Black Sea' dd. 16.04.2021

Dear Sirs, 

We have been informed that the Department for Navigation and Oceanography of the Ministry of the Defence of Russia issued a Bulletin dated 14.04.2021 according to which as of 21.00 on 24 April 2021 till 21.00 on 31.10.2021 Russia will limit transit of foreign military ships and other foreign state-owned ships in three regions of the Black Sea within Russian territorial waters: 1) a coastal section along the Black Sea coast between Sevastopol and Gursuf; 2) a rectangular section near Kerch peninsula in way of Opukskiy natural reserve; 3) a small section of the aquatorium near the extreme western point of the Crimea. The listed sections do not include Kerch Strait and the approaching channel.  

Our sources advised that inquiries have been made to ‘Rosmorport’ (state entity in charge of pilotage through Kerch Strait) earlier today and were advised that so far they possess the same information and plan passage/pilotage through Kerch Strait and the approaching channel in the normal manner. No channel closing is expected. 

UNQUOTE

For more information get in touch with your usual Club contact who will be pleased to assist you.