Maritime Sanctions: Latest Developments
The Effectiveness of Maritime Sanctions in Relation to the Occupation of Crimea: “The Turkish List”
In November 2016, Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Andriy Parubiy met with Turkish President Recep Erdogan to discuss the importance of maintaining a blockade on Crimea, including maritime sanctions. This meeting highlighted Turkey’s commitment to upholding international law and avoiding any contacts with the occupied peninsula.
A special investigation by the Maidan of Foreign Affairs and BSNews monitoring group revealed that 68 vessels operating under different flags are related to Turkey, representing 24.6% of the total quantity of vessels that have called at Crimean ports between March 18, 2014, and December 1, 2016. Of these, 47 vessels (69.1%) stopped calling at Crimea by December 2016.
The investigation also found that most Turkey-related vessels made calls at Crimean ports under other flags. Only 9 of the 68 vessels-offenders flew the Turkish flag: 7 in 2014 and 2 in the first half of 2015. These vessels include:
1. Yacht EGERIA, IMO: 8662610, which called at Yalta on August 22, 2014.
2. Ferry YUSUF ZIYA ONIS (RAINBOW), which carried cargo and cargo trucks from Zonguldak to Sevastopol, Yevpatoria, and Feodosiya between March 27, 2014, and June 2014.
3. Tanker KAZAN, IMO: 9373747, which called at Kerch on July 31, 2014, and August 10, 2014.
4. Dry cargo ship ALICAN DEVAL, IMO: 7500578, which loaded grain at the Avlita terminal in Sevastopol on July 21, 2014, bound for Iskenderun.
5. Dry cargo ship HILMI K, IMO: 8101628, which called at Sevastopol from July 10-16, 2014.
6. Tanker ISTANBUL KA, IMO: 9227211, which called at Sevastopol on April 13, 2014, and June 30, 2014.
These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of maritime sanctions in relation to the occupation of Crimea. The Turkish government’s commitment to upholding international law and avoiding any contacts with the occupied peninsula is evident in its actions. The investigation highlights the importance of monitoring vessel movements and identifying vessels that violate international sanctions.
The legal basis for these sanctions stems from the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/262, which condemned Russia’s annexation of Crimea and called on all countries to refrain from recognizing or promoting the occupation. The European Union, the United States, and other national governments have also imposed sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the occupation.
The industry impact of these sanctions is significant. The blockade has disrupted trade and economic activities in Crimea, leading to a decline in economic activity and a decrease in the number of vessels calling at Crimean ports. The sanctions have also led to increased scrutiny of vessel movements and ownership, making it more difficult for vessels to operate in the region.
In conclusion, the “Turkish List” highlights the importance of maritime sanctions in relation to the occupation of Crimea. The findings demonstrate that Turkey has taken steps to uphold international law and avoid any contacts with the occupied peninsula. The investigation also emphasizes the need for continued monitoring and enforcement of vessel movements to ensure compliance with international sanctions.
Vessels Mentioned
- Yacht EGERIA (IMO: 8662610)
- Tanker KAZAN (IMO: 9373747)
- Dry cargo ship ALICAN DEVAL (IMO: 7500578)
- Dry cargo ship HILMI K (IMO: 8101628)
- Tanker ISTANBUL KA (IMO: 9227211)
Original Article: The Effectiveness of the Maritime Sanctions in Relation to the Occupation of Crimea. «The Turkish List» (3) — Blackseanews