ViganTBA GroupPort of South LouisianaPort of StocktonBühler GmbHTelestack
  • Sailors Society
  • Telestack
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Vigan

Uncertainties over impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict

Uncertainties over impact of Russia-Ukraine conflict

(Posted on 08/03/22)

The conflict in Ukraine has prompted the European Union and other bodies to impose a number of sanctions on Russia. The extensive import of energy (crude oil, oil products, LNG, coal) is not yet affected by sanctions, but the export and transhipment of other cargoes suffers from the uncertainty caused by the conflict and the sanctions.

Of the roughly 470 million tons transshipped through Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam, 62 million tons are oriented towards Russia (13%). Large amounts of energy carriers are imported from Russia via the port of Rotterdam. Currently this comes to roughly 30% of Russian crude oil, 25% of LNG, and 20% of oil products and coal. Russia exports products such as steel, copper, aluminium and nickel via Rotterdam. This is not yet covered by the trade restrictions announced by the European Union.

It is currently unknown what the developments in Ukraine will mean for these flows in the coming period.

Barely 10% of Rotterdam's container transport is linked to Russia. The European Union has prohibited the export of a number of goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes (dual use). That means container cargo with Russia as its destination will receive extra Customs inspections.

The uncertainty (what exactly is covered by the sanctions, how quickly will Customs release containers for export, how is the conflict developing, how big are the payment risks etc.) means that various terminals and shipping companies have decided not to accept or handle any cargo with destination Russia at the moment.

The imposed sanctions, combined with their unknown impact on day-to-day operations or the development of the situation in the coming days, is causing uncertainties for many businesses. As a result, companies will also make individual choices on how to handle Russian cargo, as several terminals and shipping companies have already done.

Nato/the American armed forces have had agreements with one company in the port of Rotterdam for decades covering the transport of defence materials. These materials are regularly transferred via the port. It is possible that there will be more transports of defence materials in the short term.

As far as cybersecurity of businesses is concerned, port of Rotterdam has FERM. The purpose of FERM is to encourage cooperation between companies in the port of Rotterdam and to increase awareness of cyber security risks. Currently, FERM has reported that the NCSC has not yet had any concrete indications of cyber-attacks impacting the Netherlands in relation to the war in Ukraine.

The Rotterdam Port Authority has not independently drafted any policies of its own in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Nor does the Port Authority have the authority to do something like impose restrictions on businesses. This is the responsibility of the Dutch government. The Port Authority supports the policies of the Dutch and European authorities. International rule of law and the right to self-determination of countries are essential values and therefore not open to question.

Latest News

World first cross-border CO2 capture project in North Sea Port

(Posted on 26/11/23)

A 194 million euro investment in North Sea Port will secure large-scale CO2 reduction by the largest... Read more


German port industry expects ambitious port policy

(Posted on 17/11/23)

The Central Association of German Seaport Operators (ZDS) has called for a decisive German port policy... Read more


Pilbara potential for ammonia as clean iron ore carriers fuel

(Posted on 13/11/23)

A groundbreaking feasibility study has highlighted the potential for using clean ammonia to refuel ships... Read more


New IAPH Board ratified with Jens Meier appointed President

(Posted on 05/11/23)

IAPH has announced the ratification by the IAPH Council of the new IAPH Board. The Board is formed by... Read more


CN Announces Nova Scotia partnership with Genesee & Wyoming

(Posted on 05/11/23)

CN has announced that it acquired from Genesee & Wyoming Inc., a stake in the Cape Breton &... Read more


Hamburg Port increases port fees as of January 2024

(Posted on 31/10/23)

Due to continued very high inflation, the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) will raise port fees by an average... Read more


New Lead Property Asset Manager to spearhead strategic growth at ABP

(Posted on 31/10/23)

The UK’s leading ports group, Associated British Ports (ABP), has appointed Jeff Gibb as Lead... Read more


Total Rotterdam throughput falls as iron ore and scrap increase

(Posted on 26/10/23)

In the first nine months of 2023, there was 6% less throughput in the port of Rotterdam: 329.9 million... Read more


Continued economic instability impacts Port of Antwerp-Bruges

(Posted on 26/10/23)

After nine months, the total throughput of Port of Antwerp-Bruges was 204.4 million tonnes, a drop of... Read more


LOGISTEC enters agreement to be acquired by Blue Wolf Capital Partners

(Posted on 19/10/23)

LOGISTEC Corporation have announced that it has entered into an arrangement agreement with 1443373... Read more


Geneva DryIMPA EventsSailors SocietyTMS Awards 2023Van AalstCimbria
  • Geneva Dry
  • Cimbria
  • TBA Group

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping