Closure of Crimea ports by Ukraine
We have received the attached circular from Dias Marine Consulting P.C., our correspondents in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure issued the Directive No.255 “On Closure of Sea Ports” on 16 June 2014. The Clause 1 of the Directive provides that the Ukraine shall close its sea ports on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The Directive was registered with the Ministry of Justice on 24 June 2014 and will come into force after its official publication. According to Dias Marine Consulting P.C., official publication is expected on 15 July 2014.
The ports which shall be closed are Kerch, Theodosia, Sevastopol, Yalta and Evpatoria. Once the Directive becomes effective, the vessel is banned to call at these ports.
While it is thought to be difficult for Ukrainian authorities physically to ban the vessel’s call at Crimea ports not under Ukrainian control, any measures such as imposing fine, imprisonment of crew and ban to call at Ukrainian ports, etc, may be taken by Ukrainian authorities against vessels who call at Ukrainian ports after having visited Crimea ports.
Members whose vessels may call at Ukraine/Crimea ports should check the most up-to-date information through the local agents, etc, and exercise utmost caution in order to avoid any unnecessary troubles.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure issued the Directive No.255 “On Closure of Sea Ports” on 16 June 2014. The Clause 1 of the Directive provides that the Ukraine shall close its sea ports on the territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The Directive was registered with the Ministry of Justice on 24 June 2014 and will come into force after its official publication. According to Dias Marine Consulting P.C., official publication is expected on 15 July 2014.
The ports which shall be closed are Kerch, Theodosia, Sevastopol, Yalta and Evpatoria. Once the Directive becomes effective, the vessel is banned to call at these ports.
While it is thought to be difficult for Ukrainian authorities physically to ban the vessel’s call at Crimea ports not under Ukrainian control, any measures such as imposing fine, imprisonment of crew and ban to call at Ukrainian ports, etc, may be taken by Ukrainian authorities against vessels who call at Ukrainian ports after having visited Crimea ports.
Members whose vessels may call at Ukraine/Crimea ports should check the most up-to-date information through the local agents, etc, and exercise utmost caution in order to avoid any unnecessary troubles.