The Maritime Transport Agency denies information about the start of regular sea transportation between Batumi and the Russian city of Novorossiysk from April this year.

As mentioned in the information released by the agency, both ships and shipowners are constantly checked in relation to international sanctions. Accordingly, if the ship or the owner of the ship is on the sanctions list, they are not allowed to enter the ports of Georgia.

"Information spread by separate media outlets of Armenia about the launch of regular sea transportation between Batumi and the Russian city of Novorossiysk from April is misinterpreted and does not correspond to the truth.

Regarding the information about the specific shipments, in April, the Palau-flagged ship Haci Musa Ucak (IMO 9128544) did make two commercial shipments between Novorossiysk and Batumi. It should be emphasized that this was not a regular shipment, and was fully commercial in nature, which is carried out systematically. The company that owns the said ship, which is not on the sanctioned list, still plans to operate commercial shipments. As for the cargo, it is intended for the Republic of Armenia.

The Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia, in coordination with the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance, continuously inspects both ships and shipowners in relation to international sanctions. Accordingly, if the ship or the owner of the ship is on the list of sanctions, they are not allowed to enter the ports of Georgia or carry out the relevant procedures," the agency said.