Ukraine has established temporary corridors for merchant vessels in the Black Sea

Ukraine has announced new routes for the merchant fleet heading to the seaports of Odesa.

In accordance with the order of the navigation instructions of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine No. 6 dated August 8, 2023, Ukraine has determined new temporary routes for civilian vessels to/from the Black Sea seaports of Ukraine. This was reported in the press service of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The specified corridors will primarily be used for the exit of civilian vessels that have been in the ports of Great Odesa since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The press service emphasized that there is a military threat and mine danger from Russia throughout all routes. Vessels whose owners and captains officially confirm that they are ready to sail in the current conditions will be allowed to travel along the new routes.

Corresponding corridors were previously proposed in an appeal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Council of the International Maritime Organization recognized Ukraine’s right to free commercial shipping, which is guaranteed by international maritime law, the statement said.

We will remind you that the last ship with Ukrainian grain left the port of Odesa on July 16. After Russia’s disruption of the Grain Agreement, the terrorist country attacked the port infrastructure of Ukraine in order to stop the access of Ukrainian food to world markets.

World leaders, including heads of African countries, called on Russia to stop blackmailing with food and not to hinder Ukrainian agricultural exports.

Previously, ships in the Black Sea, in order to avoid ships of the Russian Federation, headed along the coasts of NATO countries.