War in Ukraine

Below we provide an overview of Gard's relevant loss prevention material, as well as links to some useful external websites and guidelines, that may assist ship operators, masters, and crews to stay alert and prepare and respond to the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the Black Sea region. However, please note that the situation remains fluid and can change by the hour.

War in Ukraine – impact on maritime situation (9 January 2026):

Despite ongoing peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, the security situation in the Black Sea remains unstable, particularly in the northwestern part. All port calls in the region should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, consulting best management practices for guidance on threats and mitigating measures.

We further advice ship operators and masters trading to the Black Sea region to make frequent checks with their flag administrations and local sources, such as vessel agents and Gard correspondents, to ensure they have access to the most current and reliable security information at all times.

Crisis in Ukraine (21 April 2022):

In this article, Torunn Biller White, Gard’s Chief Risk Officer, talks with Senior Lawyer, Wan Jing Tan about the crisis in the Ukraine and how this has affected Gard and our Members and clients. In a discussion ranging from the extreme effect on seafarer well-being, the impact on global commodity markets and the economic fallout from sanctions, Torunn touches on the many challenges facing our industry yet reminds us that our thoughts are with those most affected by the crisis.

Recent developments in the war in Ukraine - the effect on contractual obligations of the cessation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (9 August 2023):

The Black Sea Grain Initiative that allowed grain products to be shipped from Ukrainian Black Sea ports has now ended. Our article focuses on what that means for owners’ and charterers’ contractual obligations.

War in Ukraine - Impact on contractual obligations (6 April 2022):

The war in Ukraine has led to a large volume of queries being received by our team of Defence lawyers. Some owners and operators have vessels currently at Ukrainian or Russian ports or bound for them whilst others have concerns about whether they are contractually bound to go to Russian ports in the future.

In this FAQ, we outline some of the Defence issues that has arisen. While many questions will depend on the specific facts, we provide some general guidance which will be supplemented as events unfold. These answers are based on the charterparty being subject to English law. The answers may be different if the charterparty is subject to another legal system.

War in Ukraine - impact on crew contracts, claims and repatriation (11 March 2022):

Many Gard Members employ Ukrainian and Russian seafarers. We outline some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to employment terms and also the impact of the war on P&I cover for crew claims.

It is worth noting that this FAQ is relevant to the crew cover provided by Gard and does not address the many difficult and changing security and operational challenges relating to the war.

Ukrainian seafarer repatriation (3 March 2022):

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, many Members and clients are having difficulties repatriating Ukrainian crew. Some crew members may want to extend their contracts given the turbulence and uncertainty of the situation; others will want to terminate their contracts earlier than intended in order to go home to Ukraine. Given the circumstances, the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) Personnel Sub-Committee has drafted a Contract Addendum to assist owners and crew who would like to alter their contracts.

The sanctions imposed as a result of the conflict in Ukraine and covering Russia and Belarus are rapidly evolving. If you as a Member of Gard have questions relating to sanctions and how they impact your operations or insurances with Gard, please reach out to your usual contact at Gard.

Our Sanctions page also provides some useful links to circulars and other publications concerning different sanctions regimes.

Below we have provided links to some relevant websites and guidelines that may assist ship operators, masters, and crews to stay alert and prepare and respond to the ongoing situation.

IMO: Maritime Security and Safety in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov

NATO: Risk of collateral damage in the North Western, Western, and Southwest Black Sea

NAVAREA III warnings in force

Wilhelmsen Ukraine-Russia port situation map

UN Black Sea Grain Initiative Joint Coordination Centre

Note that seafarers impacted by the situation can request assistance from IMO's Seafarer Crisis Action Team (SCAT) by emailing info@imo.org.