Maersk has suspended operations at the port of Chornomorsk due to shelling

Maersk, the world's largest container shipping company, is suspending service at a Black Sea port. The reason is the intensification of Russian attacks on port infrastructure in the Odesa region.

This was reported by Maersk Ukraine.

“We are forced to announce that, due to the current situation affecting our operations, the feeder operator is unable to continue providing service through the Black Sea Fishing Port, which is temporarily suspended until further notice,” the company’s statement reads.

The vessel MEDKON MIRA V.629S, carrying imported cargo and scheduled to unload at the Black Sea Fishing Port, will be rerouted and unloaded at the Port of Constanța (Romania).

All import shipments destined for the Port of Chornomorsk that are currently in Port Said (Egypt) or expected to arrive there are also scheduled to be rerouted to Constanța.

The company will coordinate with customers on options for the further transport of cargo from Romania to Ukraine.

Regarding shipments from Ukraine, the company has offered free booking cancellations—with no cancellation or change fees.

In recent weeks, Russia has significantly intensified its attacks on Odesa and the Odesa region.

The occupying forces are targeting residential areas, businesses, port infrastructure, and civilian vessels in the Black Sea. Russian forces are particularly active in attacking maritime logistics.

On July 20, Russia attacked a civilian vessel near Odesa, killing 10 people. It is known that the dry cargo ship was carrying corn and had 18 people on board.

On the evening of July 17, the dry cargo ship Venturo, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, was struck by a missile. The ship sustained damage and lost propulsion. Crews from Ukrainian Navy vessels carried out a rescue operation and evacuated all 17 sailors—citizens of the Philippines—to shore.

Earlier, on July 14, the Russians attacked two civilian merchant ships flying the flags of Tanzania and Liberia. The captain of one of the ships was killed in the attack.

Following this series of attacks, traders are discussing the possibility of rerouting part of the grain exports via the Danube for subsequent shipment through the Romanian port of Constanța.

Ірина Глухова