Due to escalating security risks in Ukraine's Black Sea region, Hapag-Lloyd has suspended feeder services to three major ports: Chornomorsk, Odesa, and Pivdennyi (Yuzhny).

This decision follows deteriorating conditions in the Odesa area. Cargo heading to these ports will need to be redirected, potentially leading to additional costs for port substitution, transshipment, and onward transportation, all of which will be borne by cargo interests.

The German shipping company is considering the port of Reni, located on Ukraine's Danube River, as the primary alternative for affected shipments. Hapag-Lloyd will work with customers to confirm new discharge plans or explore other options, including ports in Romania or Poland, based on individual cargo needs and operational feasibility.

Hapag-Lloyd emphasized that all decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, considering cargo conditions and local security assessments. Any additional costs resulting from these adjustments, such as storage or transportation fees, will follow Clause 17 of the Bill of Lading -- "Matters Affecting Performance."

This move echoes recent actions by Maersk, which earlier suspended services to Chornomorsk and redirected imports to Romania's Constanta port. As the security situation in the Black Sea continues to evolve, shippers are urged to monitor carrier updates, explore alternative routes, and prepare for further disruptions to Ukrainian port operations.

Freight forwarders must remain flexible, as uncertainty over the timeline for restoring Black Sea port services persists. Effective supply chain risk management and transport planning will be crucial to navigating this challenging period.

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