Informal blockade of the Kerch Strait creates uncertainty for shipping operations in Eastern Ukraine
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12 Jan 2020
The continuing conflict in Eastern Ukraine has resulted in an informal blockade of the Kerch Strait, restricting usual shipping transport and posing the threat of vessel seizure and crew intimidation.
By Hans-Kristian Pedersen, Analyst
Tension remains in the Black Sea region and the Sea of Azov and the Kerch strait, connecting the two seas, is no different. Of the issues for vessels operating in the area - vessel transiting the Kerch Strait are more likely than not to encounter days of delays, due to irregular blockade measures of the strait which creates uncertainty for shipping operations.
The current situation is connected to the ongoing conflict over the Crimean Peninsula, which is essentially to do with increased assertion of Russian control in the wider region. The issues experienced by shipping operations in region are therefore also affected by the other developments in the region. This is likely to continue to be the case.
The unresolved conflict, of Crimea, continues to have a negative impact on shipping in the region. The creation of the Kerch Bridge, opened in May 2018, is considered to be deliberately constructed with a lower hight, above sea level, thus restricting usual shipping transport, which, aside from acts of blockade, including seizing and intimidation of vessels, is a further cementation of the conflict.
Furthermore, the uncertainty of transit time, as a result of informal blockades by Russia and harassment of, mainly Ukrainian flagged vessels, but not exclusively, directly impacts port and shipping operations in the region.
With the bridge over the Kerch Strait being a permanent structure, meaning the current overall situation, including the extended delays to transit times, is likely to continue for the foreseeable future – continuing to hamper the general flow of trade.
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