Ukrainian grain exports via Constanta, Romania, have tripled

From January through September 2026, 1.03 million metric tons of Ukrainian grain were exported through the Romanian port of Constanța. This is approximately three times more than during the same period last year. At the same time, attacks on ships in the Black Sea and rising insurance costs pose risks to future shipments.

This was reported by “Ukrinform,” citing the industry publication MarineLink.

Over the course of nine months, 15.8 million metric tons of grain passed through Constanta—7% more than during the corresponding period in 2025. The total volume of cargo transported through the port amounted to 51.55 million metric tons, remaining virtually unchanged compared to last year.

However, these figures cover only the period up to the October attacks on commercial vessels. According to MarineLink, at least eight cargo ships were struck off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria over the course of three weeks. About 34 sailors were killed or are missing.

The attacked vessels were anchored near the Sulina Canal or were heading toward it. The canal connects the Danube to the Black Sea and is a vital route for the export of Ukrainian agricultural products.

Although ships heading to Constanta were not direct targets of the attacks, the risks in the Black Sea have led to an increase in insurance costs. In September, the London marine insurance market expanded the high-risk zone, excluding the territorial waters of Georgia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey.

Despite this, insurance coverage for voyages in the Romanian part of the Black Sea remains available, albeit at a higher cost. The Constanta port authority is expected to release data on the port’s operations for October in November.

Андрій Колісніченко