Odesa's port capacity has plummeted by 30% due to Russian attacks, severely impacting Ukraine's grain and iron ore exports since December 2025.
Russia's attacks on the port cluster of Odesa (Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi/Yujny) on Ukraine's Black Sea coast have adversely affected the shipments of the country's two main export commodities, grain and iron ore. According to a Reuters report dated February 19, 2026, following an intensification of attacks in December 2025, the region's export capacity has decreased by up to 30%.
According to information from industry sources cited in the same Reuters report, the attacks in December caused damage to 13 civilian bulk carriers. Reuters' calculations indicate that this number corresponds to a significant portion of the vessels hit since the war began.
Reuters reported that, due to the impact of the attacks, export costs have risen, forcing companies to reduce product prices in order to offset the increasing costs. It was also noted that infrastructure damage and power outages have increased pressure on production and logistics.
Additionally, in a separate Reuters report dated December 24, 2025, it was stated that drone and missile attacks on ports in the Odesa region have lowered export capacity. Some exporters are struggling with contract deliveries, and at least one key port has seen a significant decrease in capacity, according to industry assessments.
Despite the wartime conditions, Ukraine is attempting to maintain shipments through a maritime corridor. According to Reuters, in December 2025, the ports were able to carry out approximately 75% of the planned shipments, and in January 2026, with a relative decrease in attacks, this figure rose to 84%.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
