A high level of risk exists on approaches to and within Black Sea ports around Crimea, officials have told the UN agency responsible for international shipping.
Search and rescue services for the ports of Yevpatoria, Kerch, Sevastopol, Feodosia and Yalta have all been disrupted, reports the ITAR-TASS press agency.
Cargo turnover at Crimean seaports fell by 23.6% year-on-year to 12 million tonnes in 2013. Shipments from Ukraine have currently slumped to a near standstill.
Crimean Transport Minister Yuri Shevchenko says a priority for the country will be to overhaul port capabilities to reflect the needs of the peninsula.
"If the political situation changes soon and relations with Ukraine improve, then port development projects could be launched," he said..
