Black Sea Grain Exports Halted Amid Rising Shipping Risks in Russia

Russia's Black Sea grain export terminals have restricted truck deliveries amid rising shipping risks in the region. The move affects three major terminals, NZT and KSK in Novorossiysk, and ZTKT in Taman, which together can ship more than 20 million tonnes of grain annually.

The decision comes after Ukraine attacked several Russian grain vessels on the Sea of Azov route, forcing Russia to redirect grain from southern regions to deep-sea terminals in the Black Sea by truck and rail. However, attacks on Black Sea ports have also increased, with some sources citing 'fewer and fewer people willing to take bold, reckless risks'.

The three terminals restricted deliveries by road due to rising shipping risks. The port of Kavkaz was closed immediately after restrictions were imposed on shipping in the Sea of Azov on July 10. Russia banned vessel movements in and out of Novorossiysk at night a week ago because of drone attacks.

Russia is seeking to diversify its exports, with ports in the Baltic region expected to be a priority as the safest alternative route. The Caspian Sea route is also an option, but it's mainly used for shipments to Iran and risks are rising due to the war in the Middle East and recent Ukrainian attacks on Iranian vessels.