Murmansk Arctic Port Prepares for Grain Exports Amid Black Sea Disruptions

Russia's Arctic port of Murmansk is preparing to ship its first grain exports from southern Russia, as the Black Sea route remains closed due to Ukrainian drone attacks. The port has repurposed equipment typically used for fertiliser and coal shipments to handle grain exports.

Murmansk commercial port, located 2,700 km from Novorossiysk, Russia's main grain export gateway, will use a direct-transfer system that moves cargo from railcars straight into ships' holds. This method is normally used for potash exports.

The port has also adapted its conveyor systems to handle larger grain volumes, as analysts expect Russian grain exports to halve in the July to September period due to the closure of ports on the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.