Georgia ports affected as Russia conflict continues

11 August 2008 17:32  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS news)--Georgia’s main ports of Batumi and Supsa were only partially operating on Monday while Poti was closed amidst security fears, a shipping agent said.

 

Russian warships were understood to be heading for Georgia's Black Sea coast following an outbreak of hostilities between the two countries over the breakaway South Ossetia region.

 

Chemical shipping traders were keen to avoid the region as the conflict was certain to affect trade, one broker said.

 

Another British-based trader was adamant that most charterers would be making alternate arrangements.

 

“I would predict that some ship operators will not call there and will look at war risk clauses,” the source said.

 

One broker took a more pragmatic approach by stating that in the current climate it would have been unusual if Georgian ports were working as normal.

 

Georgia has reportedly pulled its troops out of South Ossetia and suggested a ceasefire, but despite Western calls to end hostilities Russia has apparently expanded its military operations and advanced into Georgia itself.

By: Dan Horlock
44 20 8652 3214

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