The growing reach of international sanctions against Russia, and rising sentiment in business circles to take a moral stand against its atrocities in Ukraine, have left international shipping confused about what to do.

The knee-jerk reaction for many has been to walk away from any business even remotely connected with Russia.

The mood is already evident in the war risk market, where some insurers have begun to turn down business in the region, fearful of being viewed as assisting Russian trade.