Maersk Group cancels container ship's call at Odessa port due to actions by Ukrainian customs authorities

MOSCOW. June 25 (Interfax) - Maersk Group (MSC), the world's leading container shipping company, cancelled a container ship's call at the Odessa port for the first time since the start of the crisis, citing unfounded cargo inspections and delays in customs clearance of export containers with agricultural produce, Ukrainian media said with reference to the Association of International Freight Forwarders of Ukraine.

"According to the latest updated schedule of vessels' port calls dated June 20, the voyage was cancelled. The reason for that was groundless cargo checks and delays in customs clearance of export containers with agricultural products for an indefinite period of time. Because of that, the cargo ends up blocked and becomes more expensive due to additional storage costs and demurrage, which can reach $2,000-$3,000," the association said.

Such moves by Ukrainian customs authorities jeopardize the launch of a regular container services to the Greater Odessa ports, it said.

MSC earlier announced plans to link the Odessa port and Tekirdag, one of Turkey's largest Mediterranean ports, by a feeder connection.

The association also called on the Ukrainian authorities to help resolve this problem and avert any negative implications for Ukraine's logistics and economy.