Russia Shifts Grain Exports from Black Sea Amid Drone Strikes

Russian companies are being forced to adapt their logistics for grain exports due to successful strikes by Ukrainian drones and increasing risks to shipping in the Black Sea.

The majority of Russian grain previously passed through the Black Sea, but with over 90% of maritime exports now at risk, terminals on the Baltic and Arctic basins are being converted to handle grain transshipment.

Terminals in Ust-Luga, St. Petersburg, and Murmansk have been brought online for grain shipments, including the private 'Ultramar' terminal, which is scheduled to ship 260,000 metric tons of grain to Egypt and Saudi Arabia by September.

The Arctic route is being seen as a safer alternative due to its ice-free status and access to neutral waters, with the Murmansk Commercial Seaport preparing for full-scale launch of shipments.