Russia, the world’s top wheat exporter, has launched a new Arctic shipping route to bypass disruptions in the Black Sea caused by the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The first grain shipment of 3,400 tonnes is being loaded at the Murmansk Commercial Seaport, marking the first time Russia has used this World War 2-era route for grain exports. Murmansk, located near the Norwegian border, offers access through neutral waters, providing an alternative to the volatile Baltic Sea routes.
The move comes as attacks on ports and vessels in the Black Sea have halted the once-thriving grain trade. Russia has been redirecting exports to Baltic Sea ports, handling 1.2 million tonnes in September, but officials warn of potential risks from NATO member countries in the region. The Kremlin has accused European nations of direct military involvement in Ukraine, a claim European governments deny.
Türkiye and the UN previously mediated the Black Sea Grain Initiative to facilitate Ukrainian grain exports, but Russia withdrew in 2023, citing obstacles to its own food and fertiliser exports. The new Arctic route is seen as a strategic pivot to maintain grain supplies to key markets in the Middle East and Asia.