The Ukrainian Navy's statement
Temporary corridors for merchant ships sailing to/from Ukrainian ports have been announced
New temporary lanes for civilian vessels sailing to/from the Black Sea ports of Ukraine were announced, according to the Navigational Order of the Ukrainian Navy dated 08.08.2023 No. 6. Military threat and mine danger from the Russian Federation, nevertheless, remains along all routes.
These corridors were previously submitted by Ukraine in an appeal to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The IMO Council recognized Ukraine's right to free trade navigation, which is guaranteed by international maritime law.
The IMO called on Russia to comply with international conventions and stop threatening merchant shipping in the Black Sea.
The routes mentioned will primarily be used to allow civilian vessels that have been in the Ukrainian ports of Chornomorsk, Odesa and Pivdennyi since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war of aggression on 24 February 2022 to leave.
Only vessels whose owners/masters officially confirm their readiness to sail in the ongoing conditions will be allowed to use the routes.
It should be emphasized that the last ship with Ukrainian food left the port of Odesa on 16 July. Following its withdrawal from the Grain Deal, the Russian Federation attacked the port grain infrastructure to hinder the supply of Ukrainian food to world markets. World leaders, including African ones, urged Russia to stop blackmailing Ukraine with food and not to impede Ukrainian agricultural export.