Since the beginning of the ice campaign, two convoys of vessels have been created at the Mariupol seaport and the Sea of Azov to be escorted by the Captain Belousov icebreaker.

The CFTS portal reported this, citing information from the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority.

According to the Ukrainian Ports Authority, the first convoy of three vessels was formed on 7 February. The Captain Belousov icebreaker escorted this convoy from the Mariupol seaport to the Kerch-Yenikalsky canal.

The second convoy was formed at the Kerch-Yenikalsky canal on 8 February. The convoy consists of two vessels, which were escorted to the Berdiansk seaport, and three vessels, which were escorted to Mariupol.

The Captain Belousov icebreaker was launched in 1954, which means it will be 63 years old this year. The icebreaker underwent tests in the Sea of Azov in November last year after undergoing repairs at the Azov ship repair yard.

The start of the ice campaign in the Sea of Azov was announced on 3 February.