Ships carrying cargo to Ukraine face delays due to new rules at Sulina

Vessels sailing through the Sulina Canal to Ukrainian and Moldovan ports have started to face delays due to problems with the processing of new customs documentation after Romania switched to the NCTS Phase 6 system.

This was reported by Avalon Shipping Operations Manager Kateryna Kononenko.

From May 25, new requirements for the processing of the T1 transit declaration have come into effect for vessels in a cargo state sailing through the Sulina Canal to the ports of Ukraine and Moldova.

Previously, for such voyages, it was sufficient to submit an ENS (Entry Summary Declaration). The T1 declaration was used only for vessels delivering cargo to Romanian ports.

After the introduction of the new rules, the processing of the T1 has also become mandatory for cargoes sailing to Ukraine and Moldova.

However, Romanian customs brokers are currently reporting technical problems with the processing of such declarations in the new system. Because of this, cases are already being recorded when vessels are forced to wait at the Sulina Canal until the necessary documents are accepted.

The reason for the delays is Romania’s transition to the new version of the European transit system NCTS Phase 6, which is used to control international goods transport.

Market participants note that temporary failures during the adaptation of the system may lead to additional costs for shipowners, charterers and cargo owners due to vessel downtime and delays in cargo delivery to the ports of Ukraine and Moldova.

USM previously reported that stable weather conditions remain in the Danube region, and the number of vessels in the queue to pass the Sulina Canal has decreased.