Russian Black Sea ports impose coronavirus precautions

The Russian ports of Novorossiysk, Kavkaz and Taman will delay for up to 14 days the loading or discharging of vessels that have called areas most affected by the coronavirus.

Vessels which have called at ports in China, South Korea, Italy or Iran will have to wait without any shore connection and without engaging in any loading or other port operations for that time, Russian authorities said today.

Vessels may also be asked to wait if a crew member joined from one of these countries within 14 days before arrival at one of the Black Sea ports, although the duration may be reduced depending on the time elapsed since boarding the ship, a shipping agent said.

All other Russian ports may also follow the same procedures, the shipping agent also said.

By Nicolas Kyriakoglou

source: Argus Media