Marine insurer Skuld has issued an urgent statement for all members to take care in Ukraine and if possible, avoid Crimea.
In an urgent statement by Christian Ott (right), vice president head of claims, the company warn shipping agents to keep up their guard in regards to the “developing situation, which affects particularly the Crimean region.”
Members have been warned to take extreme care when operating in or around the Crimea area.
The Crimea peninsula acts as the base of operations for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, but also an important route for the distribution of energy, agricultural products and metals.
Ukraine is one of the world’s key suppliers of wheat and corn, ranking fourth and fifth in the respectively.
Ukraine is also the world’s fifth largest steel exporter.
The country also acts as a key route for the transport of Russian natural gas to Western Europe.
Skuld advises that all members remain on board their vessels when calling at the ports of Kherson and in the region of Nikolaev, or “in any event remain within port limits.”
Care is also to be taken at the ports of Kerch and Theodosia.
Members are advised to seek up to date information from local agents, and Skuld correspondents in regards to docking at the port of Sevastopol.
Ott notes that as of yet, the situation in Ukraine has not impacted day-to-day operations at the ports of Odessa, Ilyichevsk, Yuzhny, Mariupol and Berdvansk.
