Athens demands immediate removal of Greek merchant ships from the territorial waters of Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea
Urgent recommendation to all Greek ships to leave immediately and not to approach the ports and anchorages as well as its territorial waters Of Ukraine and her Of the Russian Federation in Black Sea issued by the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy. Also its competent Services Hellenic Coast Guard Headquarters are in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for information on developments and to take the necessary initiatives and actions. It is noted that in the sea area of the North Black Sea there are 8 ships with Greek flag, as well as a Greek-owned ship with the flag of Malta. 66 Greek sailors serve on these nine ships. Of the eight Greek merchant ships (3 cargo ships and 5 tankers), two are located in Odessa, three in the Kerch Strait and three in Novorossiysk. The Greek-owned ship (cargo) is located in Odessa. Already at dawn by order of the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Giannis Plakiotakis has been put on increased readiness at the Operations Center of the Coast Guard which is in constant communication with both the masters of these ships, as well as with the Security Officers (DPI), of the shipping companies under the management of these ships. In the meantime, his Joint Military Committee Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA) classified its Russian and Ukrainian waters Black and Azov Seas in the list of areas of increased military, piracy, terrorism and related dangers. Based on the above announcement of the LMA, the terms and conditions of ship insurance are changing against war risks located in the area and will be the subject of special negotiation between shipowners and insurers.
As for the sailors, the announcement does not currently affect their terms of employment.
YNANP has already informed the Greek shipping community (NEE, EEE and EENMA) and the Panhellenic Maritime Federation and PEPEN about the previous development. Also, from the side of the Ship Control Sector, the increase of the security level of the ships under the Greek flag according to the International Security Code ISPS is examined.
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