Ukrainian ports are in the frontline of the conflict

The International Association of Ports and Harbors  stands with the people of Ukraine in the escalating humanitarian crisis the war is causing in their country and beyond. We fully support the calls of the UN and other international institutions for hostilities to cease immediately and we share the concern of the IMO about the impact the war has on people engaged in legitimate trade, including port workers, seafarers and their families.

Ukrainian ports are in the frontline of the conflict. Our thoughts and prayers therefore particularly go out to the staff and families of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, the state-owned company that runs all seaports in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian port communities.

As part of the international sanctions issued to end the war in Ukraine, several governments are introducing bans to prevent Russian ships and/or cargoes from entering their ports. There are also carriers, ports and terminal operators that have introduced such measures on their own initiative. IAPH calls upon governments and international institutions to ensure that these measures are aligned as far as practicable, both in the interest of their effectiveness and the equitable operational conditions for ports in the current difficult environment.

Dr. Patrick Verhoeven

Managing Director, International Association of Ports & Harbors (IAPH)