Russia resumes grain vessel departures from the Sea of Azov, reopening key export routes after months of closure due to drone attacks.
Russia has resumed allowing the departure of grain-carrying vessels from the Sea of Azov, which it had closed to commercial shipping traffic since July 10, 2026, due to Ukrainian drone attacks. This decision, made after more than three months, has partially reopened the path for grain exports via the Black Sea.
According to a report by Reuters on October 28, citing seven industry sources, Russian officials will permit passage through the Kerch Strait, which connects the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea, until November 15.
Russian warships may accompany grain vessels.
Two industry sources speaking to Reuters indicated that commercial vessels loaded with grain may be escorted by Russian naval warships during their transit through the Black Sea.
It was noted that the port authority has instructed that the departure procedures for vessels ready for sailing should be initiated.
The resumption of passage permissions by Russian authorities suggests that the security conditions in the Kerch Strait have reached a level that allows limited ship traffic.
Activity has begun at the Temryuk and Kavkaz ports.
According to information reported by Bloomberg, permissions for vessels to depart from Russia's Temryuk and Kavkaz ports began to be granted on October 26.
It was reported that vessels with completed crews and ready for sailing can apply for port exit permits, and at least one vessel has successfully crossed the Kerch Strait to reach the Black Sea.
These ports are among the significant exit points used by Russia for grain exports.
Attacks in the Black Sea had brought grain trade to a halt.
Intensified mutual attacks between Russia and Ukraine in July targeted port infrastructure and commercial vessels in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Russian authorities had halted ship movements in the Sea of Azov on July 10 following attacks carried out by Ukrainian sea drones.
Before the restrictions, the ports in the Sea of Azov accounted for approximately one-third of Russia's wheat exports via maritime routes.
The prolonged closure severely limited grain shipments in the region, prompting exporters to turn to alternative ports.
Grain prices have decreased.
The resumption of vessel departures from the Sea of Azov has also had an impact on international grain markets.
Wheat futures traded in Chicago fell to their lowest level since July 1, with a decrease of up to 2.8% on October 28.
Bertrand Oesterle, Vice President of StoneX, noted that the market reacted quickly to the news of the reopening, but expectations that passage permissions would significantly reduce security risks are limited.
Security risks in the Black Sea continue.
The renewed permission for grain vessels to transit does not mean that maritime trade in the region has completely returned to normal.
According to Reuters, this development coincided with a local ceasefire initiated to deliver humanitarian aid to the Oleșky settlement under Russian control in the Kherson region.
However, the threat of attacks on commercial vessels and ports in the Black Sea persists. It has been reported that Turkey is also making efforts to halt attacks in the Black Sea and to ensure that commercial shipping operations can be conducted safely again.
Russian officials have expressed that they are not in favor of a ceasefire agreement that does not encompass targets in other sectors.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
