Page 14 - INTERCARGO - Annual Report Report 2021 - 2022

ANNUAL REVIEW

Ukraine crisis

The Russian invasion of Ukraine
continues to dominate the
headlines. Six months on the
situation seems no closer
to a resolution although the

establishment of safe corridors
for shipping has gone some way
to alleviate the crisis surrounding

grain shipments.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, IN- Welcoming the agreement at international level to resume
TERCARGO has actively participated in an industry task force grain shipments from Ukraine, INTERCARGO warned that
formed to gather information and share experiences and valua- such shipments should only take place if the safety and se-
ble data with ship operators. This has supported INTERCARGO curity of vessels, their crews and cargoes, could be guaran-
members in making informed decisions regarding operations in teed. This means that there need to be concrete assuranc-
and around the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. es in place at berths and anchorages in Ukrainian ports to
ensure that the safety and security of vessels, crew and car-
On July 27th, a briefing was conducted by the IMO Secretar-
go can be preserved, and that shipping in the area is free
iat advising on a high-level diplomatic agreement to estab-
from attack.
lish safe corridors for the export of key commodities from the
Ukraine ports of Odessa, Chernomorsk, and Yuzhny. In or- The safety of our seafarers is crucial, and it is essential that
der to oversee the export operations, a Joint Co-operations bulk carrier crews are be afforded every respect under in-
Centre (JCC) has been established in Turkey comprising per- ternational conventions when being questioned by authori-
sonnel from Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and the United Nations. ties. All efforts should be made for safe crew changes, med-
This agreement is under the auspices of the ISM and ISPS ical assistance as and when required by the crew as well as
Codes and has been brokered by the United Nations. the smooth and efficient co-operation by Ukraine Port State
Control/environmental/cargo hold inspection authorities. As
• The agreement covers only the ports of Odessa, Cher-
shipowners and their crews are willing to assist this global
nomorsk, and Yuzhny and is solely for the export of
food crisis, they should not be hindered in any way by local
grain and ammonia products.
authority practices.
• Operating procedures have been developed by the
Please also refer to INTERCARGO’s relevant public commu-
JCC and include:
nications over the last 12 months (https://www.intercargo.
o Inspection protocols for inbound vessels to en- org/news/category/media-releases/) :
sure they are empty and bona fide.
• March 2, 2022: Statement from INTERCARGO on the
o Inspection protocols for outgoing vessels to en-
Ukrainian crisis
sure they are not carrying unauthorised cargoes.
o A registration process for vessels. • April 6, 2022: “Time for Reflection at INTERCARGO’s
o Escorts from a nominated position to a pilot station. Spring Semi-Annual Meetings”
o Pilotage.
• June 23, 2022: “2022 Day of the Seafarer: Share your
o De-mining operations (responsibility of Ukraine)
journey”
to ensure the safe passage of vessels.

For more information on this topic please visit:
www.intercargo.org/ukraine-crisis-updates/

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