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Maritime body says scheduled cruise ship entry in Batumi port not violating Russia sanctions

The Agency also said authorities were “regularly” monitoring ships and shipowners in cooperation with the Revenue Service for compliance with the international sanctions. Photo: IPN

Agenda.ge, 25 Jul 2023 - 18:22, Tbilisi,Georgia

The Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia on Tuesday said the scheduled entry of Astoria Grande, a cruise ship sailing under the flag of Palau, in Batumi port in the country’s west was free from international sanctions imposed against Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine.

The body made the comment after a report on Russia’s state-owned television channel announced the ship had departed from Sochi on Saturday with a new route that included a stop in Batumi.

In comments on the report, the Agency said the visit of the ship - operated by the Turkish cruise company Miray Cruises International - in the port was of commercial nature.

Scheduled to enter the port on Thursday, the vessel is registered in the Seychelles under Goodwin Shipping Limited and not a target of the sanctions, the body added.

The Agency also said authorities were “regularly” monitoring ships and shipowners in cooperation with the Revenue Service for compliance with the international sanctions.

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