Cyprus is to start removing Russian-classed vessels from its flag, as the island joins in efforts to broaden Moscow’s isolation from the world.
The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping was added to the EU’s financial sanctions list last week.
The Cyprus flag registry is reviewing and will likely remove all Russian-classed ships in the next 48 hours, Cyprus Deputy of Shipping Minister Vassilios Demetriades said on Monday.
The ships in question have been certified to sail by the Russian authorities.
The move comes after the International Association of Classification Societies IACS has expelled the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping following a vote by members.
This will likely hasten the removal of Russian shipowners from other class societies and further isolate Russian shipping’s ability to trade internationally.
