Russia Tightens Restrictions for Vessels with History of Calls to Ukrainian Ports in the Black Sea
Since the beginning of January 2026, the Black Sea ports of the Russian Federation have significantly tightened restrictions for vessels that previously visited Ukrainian ports. According to market participants, such vessels are mostly not allowed to dock in Russian Black Sea ports if the number of intermediate calls between Ukrainian and Russian ports is less than ten.
This is reported by AgroReview
Differences in Control Approaches
Meanwhile, in the Baltic Sea, the admission regime for vessels remains more lenient. It is known that no public nationwide decree has been issued that directly prohibits the entry of vessels after visiting Ukrainian ports. However, as indicated by sources among market participants, restrictions have been implemented at the port level in accordance with national regulations that have been in effect since 2025. The application of these rules depends on the maritime basin and the specific terminal.
New Inspections and Increased Costs
In addition to vessels that have visited Ukraine, routes through Romania have come under increased scrutiny. In particular, vessels anchoring in the Sulina area before entering Ukrainian waters are increasingly undergoing lengthy underwater inspections of their hulls. The cost of such inspections is included in the disbursement account (DA) if the vessel has visited Romania during its last five port calls. This leads to increased waiting times and higher freight costs.
“Market participants note that the tightening of controls applies not only to vessels that have called at Ukraine. Routes through Romania, where vessels typically anchor in the Sulina area before entering Ukrainian waters, are increasingly subject to lengthy underwater inspections of their hulls.”
These additional measures strengthen the regulatory framework established in 2025. It should be noted that the presidential decree of July 21, 2025, requires permits for all vessels arriving in Russia from foreign ports. Furthermore, hull inspection programs that previously operated in the Baltic Sea have been implemented for vessels in the Black Sea since August 2025.
According to several sources, new restrictions are already in effect in Russian Black Sea ports. Meanwhile, in the Baltic region, market participants either do not notice new refusals or characterize inspections as less stringent.