The Joint War Committee (JWC), which represents marine insurers in the London market, has declared Sudan a listed area following military clashes in the country focused on the capital Khartoum.
The designation by the JWC usually means ships trading to the region will face higher war risk insurance premiums.
The country is troubled by political and military unrest, which has led to the mass evacuation of foreign citizens during a brief ceasefire.
The Al Khair terminal and the country’s main port, Port Sudan, have so far been unaffected by the troubles.
But, in a loss prevention note Norwegian marine insurer Skuld described the situation as “very volatile”.
“There is at least a substantial threat of stray ordnance and abusive behaviour by law enforcement and or military personnel,” Skuld commented on the situation around the port.
AIS data indicates there are currently six vessels alongside at Port Sudan, including the 2,890-teu container ship Maersk Patras (built 1998) and the 1,347-teu Saturn (built 2008), the 55,600-dwt bulk carrier Moondance II (built 2005) and 24,100-dwt Ryan Star (built 1997).
The evacuation of foreign citizens is also taking place through Port Sudan.
The last time a single country was added to the JWC’s listed areas was the inclusion of Russia in April last year.
There are now nine African regions designated as listed areas by the JWC
