On 16 August 2023, Ukraine launched a temporary maritime corridor in the Black Sea after the russian federation abandoned the Grain Initiative.
The container ship JOSEPH SCHULTE (flag Hong Kong), guided by relevant Coastal Warning 124/23, left the Odesa port with 30,000 tons of cargo and proceeded to the Bosphorus Strait.
The Special Maritime Corridor, highly praised by the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization, enables seaborne trade with no commodity restrictions in the absence of specific international guarantees. In this regard, Ukraine itself ensures the safety of navigation in the northwestern part of the Black Sea after russia withdrew from the agreement.
Owing to the Naval Forces and other involved entities, the seaports of Greater Odesa and the Danube Region ensure resilience of national economy and global food security.
Throughout the first eight months of the Corridor’s operation, Ukraine reached pre-war levels of agricultural exports.
Behind this achievement are the efforts of port employees, vessel traffic service operators, pilots, control inspectors, border guards, and customs officers. The Special Maritime Corridor never grinds to a halt, even with russian terrorist attacks damaging coastal infrastructure and foreign ships, as well as killing and injuring seafarers and port workers. We extend our condolences to families of all those who lost their lives for the national interest at sea.
Against all odds, Ukraine continues to determine its own political and economic terms for the Black Sea-the Sea of Azov Region. Further enhancement of safety and security of the Maritime Corridor will remain among the priorities of the Shipping Administration, its subordinate agencies and enterprises.
Hence, the focus is on strict implementation and compliance with the provisions of International Maritime Organization resolution A.1183 “The Impact of the russian Armed Invasion of Ukraine on International Shipping”.