Russian warning strikes trigger Black Sea congestion

Neighboring ports in the Black Sea are grappling with backlogs as a Russian warship fired warning shots at a cargo vessel, congesting shipping lanes.

Reuters reported that Russian Vasily Bykov patrol ship fired on the Palau-flagged Sukru Okan vessel on 13 August, after the ship’s captain failed to respond to a call for inspection by Russian authorities. The ship then followed its route to Ukraine’s Port of Izmail, along the Danube River, following inspection.

Kyiv has since called upon the international community to take up decisive countermeasures to what they have charged as provocation from Russia’s authorities on 14 August.

On 14 August, Kyiv denounced what it termed as “provocative” actions by Russia and urged the international community to take resolute countermeasures.

Charged as a gross violation of international law, Kyiv stated that the act had “exemplified Russia’s deliberate policy of endangering the freedom of navigation and safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

“We call on the international community to take decisive action to prevent Russian Federation’s actions that impede the peaceful passage of vessels through the Black Sea.”

Amid increasing concerns festering among insurers and shipping companies about the security of their transported cargo, ports grappled with the task of resolving backlogs, reported Reuters.

Around Musura Bay in the Black Sea, which connects to a channel leading to Izmail further down the waterway, a minimum of 30 ships had come to anchor. Reuters also conveyed that there were no less than 20 ships anchored leading up to Izmail.

Moreover, at least 35 commercial vessels were waiting close to the Romanian Port of Constanta, marking an increase of 15 ships from the week prior.

As per sources within the insurance sector, the rates for supplementary war risk premiums remained unchanged on Monday. However, there was a potential for an increase if a vessel were to be harmed or sunk.

Reuters added that according to insurance industry sources, rates for additional war risk premiums remained steady on 14 August, however, there was a potential for an increase if a vessel were to be damaged or sunk.

The expense associated with a war risk premium for the Black Sea, typically renewed every seven days and added to the annual insurance costs, was approximated to be tens of thousands of dollars per ship for the duration of the voyage.