The Black Sea has become the deadliest maritime route, with over 570 ships attacked and 40 seafarers killed in 2026, according to a Financial Times report.
According to a study published by the Financial Times on October 25, 2026, the Black Sea has become the deadliest maritime transport route in the world due to attacks on commercial vessels and seafarer casualties. The study noted that over 570 ships were affected by attacks throughout the year, resulting in at least 40 seafarers losing their lives.
As the effects of the war between Russia and Ukraine on maritime trade become increasingly severe, commercial vessels, port facilities, and cargo transport infrastructure in the Black Sea continue to be targets of attacks.
The study recorded that 387 ships were attacked or affected by attacks during the July-September period. This figure represents an increase of more than five times compared to the previous quarter.
It was reported that approximately 90% of the attacks on maritime transport in the last 45 days were attributed to Russia.
The research indicated that the attacks were not only directed at the hulls and cargoes of the ships but also specifically targeted areas where the crew is present, such as living quarters and the bridge.
In addition to attacks carried out using unmanned aerial vehicles, sea mines and interventions against GPS signals were also highlighted as factors threatening navigational safety in the region.
According to the study, at least 40 seafarers lost their lives in the Black Sea in 2026. This number exceeded the confirmed 24 seafarer deaths in the Strait of Hormuz during the same period.
Recent attacks on commercial vessels, particularly off the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria, have revealed that security risks in the Black Sea extend beyond the ports of Ukraine and Russia.
One of the latest incidents in the region was the sinking of the Comoros-flagged cargo ship Khoryv, which was attacked off the coast of Romania's Constanta Port on October 23. Following the incident, nine seafarers were rescued while the body of one seafarer was recovered. Three crew members were reported missing.
The attacks in the Black Sea are also increasing the insurance costs for ship operators. The Financial Times study noted that in some voyages, war risk insurance premiums could reach up to 15% of the ship's value.
Rising insurance costs and the threat of attacks are influencing shipowners' decisions regarding voyages in the Black Sea. The research indicated that some shipping companies have limited their operations in the region, while the use of older and technically riskier vessels for transport has created new security issues.
The deterioration of security conditions in the Black Sea is negatively impacting the grain exports of Russia and Ukraine. Due to attacks on ports and commercial vessels, disruptions in transport activities are occurring, while rising insurance and freight costs are reflected in export processes.
The operations of Black Sea ports, which play a crucial role in delivering Ukraine's agricultural products to global markets, are under pressure due to these attacks. The study pointed out that the increase in transportation costs could exacerbate food supply risks for importing countries in Africa and Asia.
One of the most severe consequences of the attacks in the Black Sea has been the threat to the safety of seafarers working on commercial vessels. The research highlighted that seafarers, particularly those from developing countries with limited economic means, continue to operate in high-risk areas.
The targeting of the bridge and living quarters by the attacks increases the importance of protective measures taken on ships, while the danger of mines and interventions against electronic navigation systems also complicate safe navigation.
In the Financial Times' assessment, it was stated that if the current conflict conditions persist, attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea could continue, and security risks could spread to broader areas of the region.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
