Turkish shipowners urge review of Black Sea voyages amid escalations

The Turkish Shipowners’ Association has called on shipping companies to reassess voyages to Russian and Ukrainian ports, warning that security risks in the Black Sea have increased amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

In a statement, the association said the Black Sea has become one of the world’s most dangerous maritime regions for commercial shipping since the start of the war. It estimated that around 136 merchant vessels have been targeted or affected by attacks in the Black Sea and in ports in Russia and Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media. 

The association said merchant ships have suffered damage from mines, ballistic and cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and other weapons during the conflict. Several vessels have reportedly sunk, while a number of seafarers have been killed or injured.

The group warned that attacks on commercial ships have continued in recent days, indicating that security conditions in the region are worsening rather than improving.

"The situation in the Black Sea is not merely a regional security issue but also poses a serious threat to international maritime trade and freedom of navigation," the association said.

The Turkish Shipowners’ Association called for urgent action by relevant United Nations bodies, particularly the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as well as national and international authorities, to strengthen protections for merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea.

By Sabina Mammadli