Resumption of Russian grain shipping in the Azov Sea may be temporary

The resumption of Russian grain shipping in the Azov Sea may be temporary, as permits allowing vessels to pass through the Kerch Strait are valid only until November 15, 2026. According to Reuters, citing seven industry sources, Russian authorities have opened a limited window for shipments of grain accumulated at ports during the suspension of maritime traffic. It remains unclear whether the permits will be extended beyond that date.

According to two Reuters sources, grain vessels that have received permits will be escorted by naval ships while crossing the Black Sea. The measure reflects the persistently high security risks for shipping in the region. Russian authorities have not officially confirmed the reported transit conditions or whether the permits could be extended.

Shipping restrictions in the Azov Sea, introduced on July 10 due to the threat of drone attacks, have significantly disrupted Russian grain exports. Before the restrictions, Azov Sea ports handled around one-third of Russia’s seaborne wheat exports. The closure forced exporters to redirect some shipments to alternative ports, increasing logistics costs and delivery times.

Bloomberg previously reported that vessels from the ports of Temryuk and Kavkaz had received temporary departure permits, with at least one vessel already passing through the Kerch Strait into the Black Sea. However, the resumption of vessel movements does not mean the export route has fully reopened, as threats to commercial shipping and port infrastructure remain high.

Ukrainian authorities have not yet confirmed the actual resumption of grain shipments through the Azov Sea. According to Ukrainian government representative Taras Vysotskyi, information about vessel movements is being verified through open and classified sources.

Tags: Russia, export, grain, Black Sea grain corridor