Russia's three key grain export terminals on the Black Sea coast have restricted truck deliveries of grain due to increased Ukrainian attacks on maritime traffic in the region. Industry sources reported that the NZT and KSK terminals at Novorossiysk Port and the ZTKT terminal in Taman took this decision.
The combined annual grain shipping capacity of these three terminals exceeds 20 million tons. Russia's annual grain exports by sea stand at about 50 million tons. The terminals serve major buyers such as Egypt and Turkey.
The decision comes after Ukrainian drones attacked grain ships in the Sea of Azov and threats to Black Sea ports increased. A source said, "Risks have risen, and the number of people willing to take reckless risks is steadily decreasing."
Sea of Azov route closed, alternatives sought
Immediately following the restriction of navigation in the Sea of Azov on July 10, the Kavkaz Port was also nearly completely shut. This port was used for transshipment of grain from smaller vessels to larger ships. Officials had earlier redirected grain arriving from southern regions via the Sea of Azov by road and rail to deep-water terminals on the Black Sea.
While terminals in Novorossiysk can accept grain by rail, that applies only to cargo from southern regions. The ZTKT terminal only receives truck deliveries. The terminal owners, Demetra and Delo Group, did not respond to requests for comment.
Baltic ports emerge as safe route
Sources said Russia is seeking to diversify export routes and that Baltic Sea ports are seen as the safest alternative corridor. The Caspian Sea route is also being considered, but this line is mainly used for shipments to Iran. The war in the Middle East and a Ukrainian attack on an Iranian vessel are said to have increased risks on that route as well.
