Turkey is working to restore the safety of cargo ship passage in the Black Sea, as attacks on this sector have disrupted grain exports and increased prices. Russia and Ukraine, as two of the world's main wheat exporters, have severely disrupted maritime trade in the Black Sea by intensifying attacks on maritime infrastructure and ports.
Turkey's Diplomatic Efforts
Hakan Fidan, Turkey's Foreign Minister, announced that the country is working on a plan to ensure the safety of ship passage in the Black Sea and is in contact with Ukraine and Russia. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of Turkey, also confirmed that he raised this issue during a regional meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.
This action by Turkey comes as Ukraine and Russia have increased their attacks on ships and ports around the Black Sea. In 2022, Turkey and the United Nations established an agreement to ensure the safe passage of Ukrainian grain exports from the Black Sea between Ukraine and Russia.
Consequences of Maritime Attacks
In August, Ukraine proposed a ceasefire in commercial shipping, but this proposal was rejected by Moscow. Currently, Ukrainian drones continue to attack Russian ships, while Russia is also conducting missile attacks on Ukrainian ports and ships.
This increase in attacks comes as both countries are rapidly trying to export their grain products. Grain prices have surged significantly, rising by up to 30 percent. Kan Atbaoglu, an international grain broker, stated that both countries are trying to find new routes for their exports.
He added: "Russia will do everything possible to export as much as possible from Russian Baltic ports and EU Baltic ports such as Latvia and Lithuania. Ukraine is also trying to export its grain through Romania and via Danube ports. However, the speed of exports will certainly be lower, and this will negatively impact the markets. Prices will remain the same or may increase further."
In one of the many shipyards in Istanbul, the docks are filled with ships that had previously gone to the Black Sea. One ship, which has visible signs of a drone attack, is under repair. Other ships are undergoing routine maintenance while ship owners are hesitant to venture into dangerous waters.
A ship owner, who speaks anonymously, says repairs are nearing completion, but the future is uncertain. He added: "We wanted to take the ship to the Black Sea, but due to the risks, we did not enter the Black Sea and did not load. We were in the shipyard for 50 days for repairs, but we do not know what will happen after the repairs are completed."
Turkish ship owners warn that many are on the brink of bankruptcy, as the costs for idle ships accumulate to €50,000 per month for anchoring and crew expenses. Ziya Oztel, CEO of VI-ZA STAR shipping company in Turkey, says that high freight rates are being offered for Black Sea routes, but the risks are very significant.
Oztel also added: "The main issue is finding a real solution. Otherwise, no one will dare."
Ankara expects to increase its efforts to find a solution. Grain brokers say that hope for reaching a diplomatic agreement may be one reason prices have not surged to record highs since the beginning of the war. However, if Turkey's efforts fail and attacks on transport in the Black Sea continue, high grain prices could have a significant impact on poor countries around the world, many of which rely on Russian and Ukrainian grain.
