Ukraine warning

THE American P&I Club has issued a warning to its members over ballasting arrangements in the Ukraine and advised them not to leave themselves open to massive fines.

The club's managers report that certain port authorities, particularly those in the Crimea, are increasingly penalising owners involved in de-ballasting of vessels in those ports. The Ukrainian State Inspection for Protection of the Black Sea (SIPBS) has adopted an aggressive policy over ballasting activities, resulting in fines ranging from US.$40,000 to $60,000 in individual cases.

The club warns: “Members are therefore recommended to ensure that masters of vessels entering Ukrainian ports pay particular attention to obtaining cleaner ballast samples and, in the process, reduce exposure to fines.”