Navigational Notices

Notice to Mariners No 14 of 2024 - Russian & Belarusian Vessels

MARITIME SANCTIONS AGAINST THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

On the 1^st March 2022, the UK Government passed further sanctions on Russia in relation to the military incursion into Ukraine.  Maritime sanctions against Belarus were introduced on 5 July 2022 by the Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2022.  This legislation provides the Port of Tyne Authority with the following additional conferred powers:

• The power to detain Russian or Belarusian ships or specified ships within the port or at anchor;
• The power to control the movement of Russian or Belarusian ships or specified ships by requiring them to leave, enter, move to a specified place or remain where they are; and
• The power to prohibit the entry of Russian or Belarusian ships, and other ships specified by the Secretary of State for Transport.

The Port of Tyne Authority will exercise these powers for any vessel in the following categories:

• Vessels owned, controlled, chartered, or operated by any person connected with Russia or Belarus;
• Vessels owned, controlled, chartered or operated by Designated Persons (as per section 5 of the Regulations);
• Vessels flying the Russian or Belarusian flag; and
• Vessels registered in Russia or Belarus.

These Regulations do not apply to ships (that are not otherwise covered by the Regulations) originating from or destined for Russian or Belarusian ports; ships carrying cargo to or from Russia or Belarus are not within scope of the maritime sanctions unless they are Russian or Belarusian ships (as referred to above) or specified ships. These Regulations do not apply to ships (that are not otherwise included in the Regulations) with Russian or Belarusian crews or Masters, unless they are a Designated Person.

Exception to the prohibition on port entry will be assessed where entry to the port is necessary in an emergency situation.

The Port of Tyne Marine Services Department will liaise with vessel agents, charterers, owners, operators and any other interested party on a case by case basis.