On 14 May 2024, during questions raised by Parliament, the Minister of Defence made an important announcement regarding the access of Russian ships to Dutch ports. In response to questions from MP Kahraman (NSC) about Russian spy ships in the North Sea and the Eemshaven, the minister stated that the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management no longer intends to grant exemptions to Russian ships carrying food products to Dutch ports.
- European Sanctions
In accordance with European sanction policies, ships flying the Russian flag are generally denied access to ports in the European Union. This measure applies to ships that have sailed under the Russian flag on and after February 24, 2022. Additionally, vessels classified and/or certified by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RMRS) are also denied access.
- Exceptions and Exemptions
Although there are possibilities for exemptions based on Article 3 of Regulation 833/2014, these are strictly limited to the exceptions included under that article, including the transport of food products.
- Stricter Enforcement
Due to increasing geopolitical tensions and the anticipated tightening of European sanctions policy, the Maritime Sanctions Team of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has decided to take a tougher stance. On May 8, 2024, Groningen Seaports was informed that there is an intention to deny the exemption request of a Russian-flagged ship for unloading whitefish in the Eemshaven. On May 16, 2024, this exemption was definitively denied, sending a clear signal that the Netherlands has escalated enforcement of the European sanctions regime.
In summary, these developments mean that any exemption requests for Russian ships carrying food products are now almost certain to be denied. We invite any clubs or shipowners with questions relating to the above to contact us.