Turkey's Foreign Minister condemns attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea, emphasizing the need for maritime security amid ongoing conflict.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the spread of the Russia-Ukraine war to the Black Sea and the targeting of civilian vessels is unacceptable.
In light of the increasing attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, Turkey has highlighted the effects of the war on maritime trade and civilian maritime transportation. Ankara reiterated its messages that the security of the Black Sea and the protection of commercial vessels must be prioritized.
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, the risks to civilian maritime transportation in the Black Sea have come to the forefront again. Recently, the targeting of commercial vessels by unmanned aerial vehicles and damage to some port infrastructures have heightened the security concerns of shipowners operating in the region.
Alarm for civilian vessel safety in the Black Sea: Warning from Turkey
While closely monitoring developments in the Black Sea, Turkey emphasized that civilian vessels and commercial sea routes must be protected from the effects of the war. Officials pointed out that the Black Sea is an important trade and logistics route for regional countries, stressing the importance of maintaining maritime security.
The attacks in the region are creating new risks, especially for vessels transporting grain, bulk cargo, and energy. While export operations from Black Sea ports continue, shipowners are acting more cautiously in their voyage planning due to the increasing security risks.
The possibility of attacks is leading to an increase in insurance costs and prompting some ship operators to adopt additional security measures. Particularly for vessels operating to Ukrainian ports, the significance of war risk premiums and operational costs remains high.
Representatives of the maritime sector express that ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels in the Black Sea is critical not only for regional trade but also for global grain and energy supply chains.
Turkey's balance policy under the Montreux Convention and its efforts in maritime security in the region have led to close monitoring of developments in the Black Sea.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
