Jonathan Saul

LONDON (Reuters) – Ukrainian ports will remain closed until Russia’s invasion ends, the head of Ukraine’s Maritime Administration said on Monday, adding that the port of Mariupol has sustained damage from Russian shelling.

Russia invaded Ukraine February 24th, calling their actions “special operation.”

“The ports will be shut until the end of Russian aggression on our territory and (we) restore the ability to provide maritime security for commercial vessels,” Vitaliy Kindrativ told Reuters in emailed comments.

Kindrativ indicated that the authorities were still looking into the extent of the damage to Mariupol. This prominent port is located on the Sea of Azov. He also said other ports had suffered some damage but it was not critical.

He said, “But I believe that the final calculation will take place after Russia’s aggression has ended. There is still a strong threat of Russian troops landing in ports. This could cause significant destruction to port infrastructure.”

Numerous shipping lines have cancelled sailings to Black Sea ports, with travel insurance rates soaring and three commercial ships being hit by terrorists.

Conflict could have an impact on the prospect of Ukrainian and Russian spring grain. This is expected to happen soon.

Navigation on the Azov Sea was temporarily halted Feb. 24, with Russian Black Sea terminals continuing to load and ship grain. But, new shipments are still uncertain due to lack of freight offer, consultancy Sovecon reported.

Kindrativ added that there were about 100 foreign flagged ships now “blocked in Ukrainian seaports by the Russian navy”.

He said, “They’ll be able sailing after Russia removes their warships from sovereign waters. Sea routes will be safe and navigable, once the captains of the ships have cleared the Ukrainian seaport chiefs.”

Although the Sea of Azov’s port of Berdiansk was shelled on Monday as well, it wasn’t clear what had happened there.