Major Japanese non-life insurers are set to stop covering war-linked damage to ships in all waters around Russia and Ukraine starting on January 1.

The step comes amid Russia's attacks on Ukraine. The measure could possibly affect Japan's imports of liquefied natural gas from the Sakhalin-2 oil and gas project in Russia's Far East.

Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, Sompo Japan Insurance and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance have begun informing shipping and other firms of the move.

The insurers say they will stop offering war-risk insurance in the waters because reinsurance companies are refusing to take on Russia-related risks for damage to ships.

Ship owners need to sign up for war-risk insurance in addition to ordinary ship insurance to receive compensation for damage caused by military activities.

The suspension of war-risk insurance is expected to make it difficult to operate ships in the related waters.

The Japanese insurers say they will negotiate with reinsurance firms for the resumption of the coverage to prevent impact on energy imports to Japan.

Japan's industry ministry says it is confirming the facts along with relevant ministries, and is determining the possible impact.

The industry ministry says it will continue to try to secure stable energy supply to Japan.

Major Japanese shipping firm Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has told NHK that it is collecting information on the situation and studying how to deal with the matter.