Odesa Business Intel

Interlegal, the Odesa-based maritime law firm recognized as Ukraine's leading practice in international shipping disputes, reported a 40% year-on-year increase in new war-risk arbitration and P&I insurance claims cases in the first quarter of 2026. The firm handles disputes under English law for vessel operators, cargo owners, and insurers transiting Ukrainian waters. The majority of new cases in Q1 2026 arose from Danube corridor incidents — primarily drone and missile strikes at Izmail and Reni — rather than from open Black Sea incidents. Cargo damage claims accounted for 48% of new cases. Vessel damage claims were 31%. Freight and demurrage disputes arising from port closure periods made up the remaining 21%. ## P&I club posture P&I clubs operating in the Ukrainian war-risk zone updated their additional premium clauses in March 2026. Current war-risk premiums for vessels calling at Izmail run at 0.75–1.2% of hull value per voyage. Open Black Sea routes to Odesa and Chornomorsk attract premiums of 1.0–1.5% per voyage.