American Club alerts shipowners to new delays under Russian port entry rules

The American Club has cautioned shipowners about the risk of prolonged delays and additional costs following the introduction of new Russian requirements for vessels arriving from foreign ports.

In a notice issued on December 4, the P&I insurer said Russia’s updated procedures—effective November 25—now require all incoming ships to obtain clearance from the Federal Security Service (FSB). The rules also permit mandatory underwater hull inspections, with the cost to be borne by shipowners.

The FSB has up to 48 hours to decide whether a vessel may enter a Russian port. Including the time needed for information transmission, the process can extend to 49 hours. According to the club’s assessment, the complete clearance cycle—excluding the duration of any underwater inspection—could take as long as 53 hours.

The notice warns that “entry into Russian ports may involve significant difficulties due to uncertain timing of underwater inspection and the possibility of refusal even if no suspicious items are detected.”

The American Club advised operators to build these uncertainties into voyage planning, particularly when scheduling deliveries or nominating vessels for loading.

Founded in 1917, the American Steamship Owners Mutual P&I Association is a member-owned insurer providing maritime liability cover to shipowners and charterers worldwide. It is part of the International Group of P&I Clubs and participates in its collective reinsurance and loss-prevention frameworks.