The DGRM-General Directorate of Natural Resources, Security and Maritime Services informs that, as of April 16, ships flying the Russian flag will be prevented from accessing EU-European Union ports.

A ship is defined as: a ship falling within the scope of the relevant international conventions; a yacht of 15 meters or more in length that does not carry cargo or more than 12 passengers; or pleasure craft or personal watercraft within the meaning of Directive 2013/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.

The same restriction on access to EU ports also applies to ships that have changed their Russian Flag to the Flag or Register of any other State after February 24, 2022, the date on which the invasion of Ukraine began.

This restriction arises under the terms of Council Regulation (EU) 2022/576 of 8 April 2022, which amends Regulation (EU) No. 833/2014, with the introduction of restrictive measures for Russia (Article 3). –EA) as a result of the current war situation in Ukraine.

Competent authorities may authorize ships to stop at national ports, provided they fall within the exceptions provided for in the aforementioned regulation or for humanitarian purposes, with an obligation to report to the European Commission and other Member States.