Cargo ships reach Ukrainian port via Black Sea corridor after Russia withdraws from grain deal

The Palau-flagged bulk carriers, Aroyat and Resilient Africa, docked on Saturday, marking the first civilian cargo ship arrivals at Odesa ports since Russia's exit from the grain deal.

The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority confirmed this arrival in an online statement, emphasizing the significance of these ships' safe passage through a temporary Black Sea corridor established by Kyiv after Russia's withdrawal.

This corridor, opened on August 10, comes in response to concerns raised by the United States and Ukrainian officials regarding possible Russian attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea.

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister, Oleksandr Kubrakov, announced on Saturday that the two ships are carrying approximately 20,000 tons of wheat destined for countries in Africa and Asia. This move is of paramount importance for Ukraine, which heavily relies on its agricultural exports for its economy.

The backdrop to this development involves months of secure grain exports from Black Sea ports under a United Nations and Turkey-brokered deal. However, Russia unilaterally withdrew from the agreement on July 17, citing unmet demands regarding Russian food and fertilizer shipments.

Post-withdrawal, the Russian defense ministry stated its intent to consider any vessels bound for Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea as military targets, escalating tensions in the region.

In response, Kyiv sought alternative transport routes, including rerouting through the Danube River and road and rail links into Europe. However, this approach incurred significantly higher transport costs. Additionally, European countries expressed concerns about local grain prices, and the Danube ports couldn't match the capacity of seaports.

The newly established Black Sea corridor, which Kyiv has requested the International Maritime Organization to ratify, is expected to provide a vital lifeline for Ukrainian ports. Nevertheless, it is not without challenges. Sea mines pose a significant risk, and ship insurance costs are anticipated to be high for operators.

Ukrainian authorities have indicated that the primary purpose of this corridor is to facilitate the evacuation of ships that have been stranded in the ports of Chornomorsk, Odesa, and Pivdennyi since the outbreak of the conflict. Deputy Prime Minister Kubrakov reported that five vessels have already used this corridor to depart from Ukrainian ports. (ILKHA)