- Two ships headed to Ukraine's Black Sea ports to load grain

By News Team, Rush Hour Daily

Updated on September 16th, 2023

two-ships-headed-to-ukraine’s-black-sea-ports-to-load-grain

Two cargo vessels have become the first ships to use a temporary corridor to sail into Black Sea ports and load grain for African and Asian markets, according to Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov. This comes after Ukraine announced a humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea to release ships trapped in its ports and bypass a de facto blockade by Russia. So far, five vessels have left the port of Odesa using the corridor. Ukraine, a major food producer and exporter, also plans to use the corridor for its own food exports. The bulk carriers “Resilient Africa” and “Aroyat” are currently en route to Ukrainian ports to load wheat for Africa and Asia. The wheat will be shipped to Egypt and Israel. The United Nations has expressed support for the resumption of normal trade and the stabilization of global food markets. These loadings will test Ukraine’s ability to reopen shipping lanes amid Russia’s attempts to reimpose its blockade. The Black Sea grain deal, brokered by the UN and Turkey, was abandoned by Russia in July. Ukraine has recently launched attacks on Russia’s Black Sea naval fleet using sea drones and missiles.