Grain exports may be routed through the Danube following attacks on ports in the Odesa region

Russian strikes on port infrastructure in the Odesa region have begun to affect Ukraine’s grain exports via the Black Sea. Against this backdrop, traders are discussing the possibility of rerouting some shipments through ports on the Danube and Constanta, Romania.

According tothe Financial Times, following a series of attacks on port infrastructure in the Odesa region, shipowners are increasingly reluctant to send their vessels to the region, and some traders have suspended grain purchases. At the same time, shipping insurance costs have risen, further complicating logistics.

According to the publication, citing the maritime security firm Ambrey, drone attacks have reduced storage capacity at Ukraine’s largest port in Odesa by about one-third.

Masha Belikova, a grain analyst from Dnipro, noted that Russian troops have been attacking ports and terminals for four consecutive days, causing shipowners to avoid calling at Ukrainian ports. She said that crew members have been injured and killed, posing a serious risk to maritime carriers.

As a result, the analyst claims, domestic grain purchase prices have virtually disappeared in the ports, and shipowners have stopped providing freight quotes.

Experts are also noting a rise in the cost of ship insurance. Pavel Sosnovsky, an analyst at International Seaborne Market (ISM), reported that some ships have halted outside Ukrainian territorial waters to assess the risks of new attacks.

In addition, he said, some insurers have suspended coverage for war risks on voyages to Ukrainian ports altogether.

In light of this, traders are discussing the possibility of rerouting a portion of grain exports via the Danube, with subsequent shipment through the Romanian port of Constanta. Ukraine actively used this very route at the start of the full-scale war.

Following massive Russian attacks on July 10–12, the Kernel agricultural holding suspended operations at its export terminal in the port of Chornomorsk.

On July 14, Russia struck merchant ships in the Black Sea; among the dead was the captain of one of the ships.

On July 17, the invaders again launched a missile attack on port infrastructure in the Odesa region. As a result of the shelling, a civilian vessel was damaged and crew members were injured.

Ірина Глухова