Ukraine Turns Novorossiysk into Chokepoint for Russian Exports

Russia's busiest seaport, Novorossiysk, has become a chokepoint for cargo ships due to Ukrainian aerial and sea-drone attacks. The strikes have made it increasingly difficult for container ships to navigate the area, causing delays and deterring importers from using the China-Novorossiysk route.

According to The Moscow Times, large-ship sailings from Novorossiysk fell by 38% in July, with tanker runs decreasing by half. A logistics manager quoted in the publication stated that container ships have now become a target, making the situation worse.

The attacks have not only affected grain and oil exports but also imports from China. The FESCO vessel Yanina was sunk by a sea drone on August 1, while a container ship carrying imports was hit in late July. The crew escaped unharmed, but the cargo was lost.

Russia stands to lose up to $30-35 million worth of wheat exports this season due to the attacks, according to a grain-exporters' union estimate. The systematic attacks have also led to repeated hits on the port's main oil terminal and dented crude loadings.