17 September 2023

The first two vessels entered Ukrainian deep seas ports after grains corridor ceased to operate.

On September 16 the first two vessels entered Ukrainian deep sea ports for loading with agricultural products since the collapse of grains corridor deal.

Names of two bulkers are Aroyat and Resilient Africa, both carrying Palau flags. Bulkers entered the port of Chornomorsk.

As a reminder grains corridor stopped operating in the middle of July when russia refused to prolong its operations. After that five vessels which have been stuck in Ukraine since February 2022 left Ukrainian deep sea ports, but there were no vessels to come into the ports.

Now after the first empty vessels entered the ports for loading, we can say that Ukraine has already broken russian blockade of Ukrainian ports.

This break-through is crucial for Ukrainian agriculture, as existing logistic routes used for grains and oilseeds export from Ukraine are much more expensive vs. export through deep sea ports, which bring down local grains prices. Under current local prices Ukrainian farmers are to suffer losses despite quite good grains and oilseeds yields this year.