The Ukrainian government is planning to close all ports in Crimea to international shipping.

According to a circular from P&I club Skuld Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure has issued a Directive No. 255 titled "On Closure of Sea Ports".

The directive is now with the Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice and is expected to be published on 15 July when it would take formal effect.

The closure to international would affect five ports: Kerch, Theodosia, Sevastopol, Yalta and Evpatoria.

“Our correspondents caution that if a vessel were to call at a port in Ukraine after a call at a port in the Crimean region, then penalties could follow, including delays, detention and fines. Formal prosecution steps could also follow by Ukrainian authorities,” the circular said.

“As members are aware, the present jurisdictional and legal situation with respect to the Crimean region is a political matter without a certain position,” it added.