American Club: New FSB Rules for Russian Port Entry Create Serious Delay Risk for Vessels
American Club: New FSB Rules for Russian Port Entry Create Serious Delay Risk for Vessels
American Club, in a member notice dated December 4, warned shipowners that new port entry requirements imposed by Russia on foreign vessels arriving from international ports could cause significant delays, operational disruptions, and additional costs. Under the new regulation that took effect in Russia on November 25, 2025, all commercial vessels arriving from foreign ports must undergo an additional control process through the Federal Security Service (FSB).
Under this regulation, the FSB can issue a decision of approval, denial, or further inspection regarding a vessel's port entry. According to American Club's assessment, although the FSB must issue an entry decision within 48 hours, the process can actually extend to 49 hours when accounting for information transmission and document transfer. A compulsory underwater hull inspection that shipowners may face is not included in this timeframe.
The club's statement notes that the full procedure, excluding underwater inspection, can extend to 53 hours. This timeframe creates serious operational risk, particularly for frequently calling tankers, bulk carriers, container lines, and tramp shipping vessels operating in the spot market.
American Club emphasizes to shipowners and charterers that they must account for this uncertainty in their vessel nominations and loading schedules. The regulation's most critical aspect is underscored by the statement 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 key concerns are:
The timing of underwater inspection is unpredictable,
Inspection costs are entirely borne by the shipowner,
The FSB can deny entry even if no suspicious findings are detected.
Regulatory Background: Rising Geopolitical and Security Pressure
The period of 2024–2025 has witnessed increasing sabotage incidents, drone attacks, shadow fleet cases, and port security events around the Black Sea and Baltic regions, leading Russia to tighten its port security protocols. In particular, certain "external impact" reports from tankers and dry cargo vessels destined for Russia have prompted Moscow to strengthen its surveillance policy toward foreign-flagged vessels.
In this context, Russian port entries now routinely include:
Underwater surveillance,
Hull integrity check,
Anti-sabotage scanning
These additional controls have become standard operations for the FSB.
Operational and Commercial Impact
According to American Club's analysis, the new application particularly increases demurrage risk for spot market tankers and bulk carriers. Additionally:
Supply chain delays may occur due to port waiting periods.
As vessel schedules tighten, laycan flexibility decreases.
The uncertain cost of FSB inspections creates cost unpredictability for shipowners.
Compulsory underwater inspections create safety risk in ports subject to ice or poor weather conditions.
From a commercial standpoint, charterers may begin demanding stricter indemnity clauses, FSB-delay clauses, and hull inspection cost allocation terms for new Russian port calls.
Brief Overview of American Club
Founded in 1917, the American Steamship Owners Mutual P&I Association is an established provider of Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance in the international maritime sector. As a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, the organization serves global operators in risk assessment, loss prevention programs, and claims management.
Key Points:
Russia made FSB approval mandatory for all foreign port-origin vessels from November 25 onward.
Port entry decisions can take 48–49 hours, with the full procedure extending up to 53 hours.
Underwater hull inspection is mandatory and costs are borne by the shipowner.
The FSB can deny vessel entry even without suspicious findings.
American Club advises shipowners to incorporate these risks into their schedules.
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News Link: https://en.portnews.ru/news/385463/
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Author: SedatOnat.com
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