Putin decree requires FSB approval for foreign ships entering Russian ports

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree mandating that all ships arriving from foreign ports must now obtain approval from the Federal Security Service (FSB) before entering Russian seaports. The decree was published on the official government portal of legal acts and came into effect immediately upon publication.

The new measure was introduced in accordance with the federal law “On Martial Law,” dated January 30, 2002. Under the decree, entry for foreign vessels is subject to authorisation from the port captain, which must be coordinated with a designated FSB official, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

The FSB has been tasked with appointing officials responsible for reviewing and granting entry permissions. Meanwhile, the Russian government is instructed to ensure the implementation of the decree’s provisions across the country’s port infrastructure.

Previously, access to Russian seaports for foreign ships was governed by an order from the Ministry of Transport, which imposed special procedures only in cases where a port shared waters with a naval base.

Russia operates a vast network of seaports across multiple maritime regions. Key ports include Novorossiysk, Ust-Luga, Primorsk, the Greater Port of St. Petersburg, Murmansk, Vostochny, Vanino, Nakhodka, and Tuapse.

By Sabina Mammadli