The world's largest container shipping company has suspended service to Russia, according to Bloomberg
Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), the world’s largest container shipping operator, has suspended new bookings for shipments to and from the Russian port of Novorossiysk. The decision was prompted by a drone attack on one of the company’s vessels.
The company made the decision following an attack on the MSC ULSAN III, which was en route to Novorossiysk. MSC did not specify exactly when the incident occurred.
The company stated that it is closely monitoring the situation in the region. Until regular weekly sailings from Novorossiysk resume, customers are advised to contact MSC’s Russian office to find alternative routes for import and export shipments.
An employee at the company’s St. Petersburg office confirmed to Bloomberg that MSC’s operations in Novorossiysk are currently suspended.
Following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, MSC, like other international container carriers, scaled back its operations in the Russian market.
At the same time, the company continues to operate through some Russian ports, notably St. Petersburg. Among the goods that international carriers continue to deliver to Russia are primarily food, clothing, and medicines.
This is not the first time Novorossiysk has come under drone attack. On the night of August 12, the city suffered a massive attack, during which port infrastructure and an oil terminal were damaged.
The port of Novorossiysk is of strategic importance to the Russian economy and military infrastructure. Significant volumes of oil and other products pass through it. In addition, ships of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet are based in the city.
Thus, MSC’s suspension of new bookings could create additional logistical challenges for the Russian Black Sea port, especially given the regular attacks on its infrastructure.
This was reported by Bloomberg.
The shutdown of major terminals in the Azov-Black Sea basin, which account for 88% of Russia’s seaborne grain exports, has caused a sharp drop in purchase prices and disrupted the country’s export plans.
Russian strikes on Ukrainian ports and problems with maritime exports could jeopardize not only this year’s grain shipments but also the 2027 planting season. Due to difficulties in selling their harvest, farmers risk being left without sufficient funds for seeds, fertilizers, fuel, and other necessary resources.
Ukrainian attacks using maritime and aerial drones on the Black Sea ports of Russia, the aggressor state, have significantly disrupted grain and oil shipments. Novorossiysk—Russia’s largest port by cargo turnover, through which up to one-third of Russia’s grain exports pass—has been hit the hardest.
