FSB permits and underwater inspections slow down ship calls to Russian ports

Russian ports have been experiencing delays after Moscow introduced ship inspections amid recent attacks on tankers by Russia’s “shadow fleet.”

Under a decree that took effect on November 25, any foreign-flagged vessel requesting entry to a Russian port must now obtain permission from the Federal Security Service (FSB),the Splash reports.

Port authorities must send the vessel’s last 10 ports of call and notify the FSB within one hour, which triggers a screening process that can take up to 48 hours — before any underwater inspections or follow-up checks.

If additional inspections are required, the process drags on. The full permit cycle — not including any underwater inspections — can now take up to 53 hours. That time frame doesn’t even factor in potential anchorage delays, tug arrangements, or scheduling conflicts ashore.

A few weeks ago, Russia ordered all foreign ships calling at its ports to undergo underwater inspections for mines and other suspicious devices. Under the new regime, port operators can demand reimbursement from shipowners for the cost of inspections.

 USM previously reported that the cost of insurance in the Black Sea has tripled following attacks on the Russian “shadow fleet.”