MSC halts new cargo bookings to Novorossiysk Port after drone attack on MSC ULSAN III, citing security concerns in the Black Sea.
The world's largest container shipping company, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, has suspended new cargo bookings to Russia's Novorossiysk Port following an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attack on its container ship MSC ULSAN III in the Black Sea.
According to a notification sent to MSC's customers and seen by Bloomberg, the company is closely monitoring security conditions. New import and export bookings to the port will not be accepted until conditions allow for the resumption of regular weekly services through Novorossiysk. Customers have been advised to contact MSC's agent in Russia for alternative logistics options.
MSC ULSAN III Attacked
The decision by MSC is based on the attack on the container ship named MSC ULSAN III.
According to information shared by Martin Kelly from EOS Risk Group's consulting unit, the MSC ULSAN III, which has a capacity of approximately 2,700 TEU and was built in 2004, was struck by a drone while sailing from Russia's Novorossiysk Port towards Turkey on August 25. After the attack, the ship continued its course under its own power towards Turkey.
It was reported that there were no injuries among the crew and no pollution was reported. The ship later reached the Sea of Marmara and was seen off the coast of Tekirdağ.
There has been no official statement confirming who carried out the attack from MSC or other international sources.
Novorossiysk, a Critical Hub in Black Sea Shipping
The significance of MSC's decision stems from Novorossiysk being one of Russia's most important trade gateways in the Black Sea.
Lloyd's List describes Novorossiysk as Russia's main Black Sea port and a critical export hub for oil, grain, and container shipping, noting that MSC's decision has disrupted one of the few international container services serving Russia.
Recently, the increase in attacks on commercial vessels around Novorossiysk has raised security risks for maritime transportation in the region. The Maritime Executive reported that the attack on MSC ULSAN III came after a series of attacks on commercial vessels in recent weeks.
Attacks on Commercial Vessels Increasing
MSC's decision comes at a time when commercial vessels in the Black Sea are facing the direct effects of the conflict.
In August, attacks on various commercial vessels around Novorossiysk were reported. These included the RMS Team, which was en route to Novorossiysk and was attacked by a drone on August 21. It was also reported that the container ship Yanina, previously operated by Fesco, was subjected to a drone attack and subsequently sank.
The attacks in the region have not been limited to container ships. Attacks on tankers and energy infrastructure around Novorossiysk have also affected the port's operations. Reuters reported that loading activities were temporarily halted at the Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk following a drone attack on August 14.
MSC is Not Completely Withdrawing from Russia
MSC's decision does not mean that the company is halting all its operations in Russia.
While suspending operations in Novorossiysk, the company continues to operate in other ports in northwest Russia, such as St. Petersburg. MSC had significantly reduced its operations in Russia after the start of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It is noted that ongoing international container shipping with Russia primarily covers civilian products such as food, clothing, and pharmaceuticals.
Security Risk in the Black Sea is Growing
MSC's decision regarding Novorossiysk is seen as an indicator of a broader risk for commercial maritime transportation in the Black Sea.
TradeWinds stated that MSC's decision came after a sharp increase in attacks on commercial vessels and that the suspension of the company's Novorossiysk service directly reflects the security risks in the region for container shipping.
Given that MSC is the world's largest container carrier, this decision stands out as a development that could affect not only the Russia-Black Sea route but also the security assessments of other lines operating in the region.
While the company's statement did not provide a specific date for when Novorossiysk services would resume, it is expected that operations will be reassessed when conditions allow for safe service continuity.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
