Russia has introduced Government Decree No. 311 of 9 March banning the export of, inter alia, a number of goods. The risk of ships with a connection to Western European states being detained and confiscated in Russian ports has increased.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority knows that ships have been detained in Russian ports. So far, this has not involved ships flying the Norwegian flag.
When planning to call at a port in Russia, it is important to consider the content of the mentioned Decree, as well as the risk of being selected for a port State control inspection, and possibly detention.
Shipping companies should exercise extreme caution and, in the light of the current situation, evaluate whether they need legal assistance in dealing with Russia.
On 24 February, the NMA raised the MARSEC Level to ISPS 3 for Norwegian-flagged ships in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
