At the time of the attacks last night, around 120 ships are said to have been moored in the affected grain ports.
Russia is stepping up its attacks on the port infrastructure in south-western Ukraine. According to agency reports, the Ukrainian ports of Reni, Ismail and Kilija came under fire from missiles and drones fired from Russian positions in Crimea for six hours on Thursday night.
At least two granaries are said to have been damaged, and transshipment was temporarily suspended, according to the British warning service Ambrey. Further details of the damage are not yet known.
According to Ambrey, there were around 120 ships at berth in the affected ports at the time of the attack, with a further 130 reportedly lying in the roadstead off the mouth of the Danube. In general, there is an increased risk of ships in the entire region being hit by debris from drones, the experts warn.
Ukraine complains about damage to grain infrastructure
A Ukrainian army spokesperson described the latest attack as the most serious in recent months. The last attack was only a week ago. As reported by Reuters, a truck driver was killed on December 7, and there was also unspecified material damage to the infrastructure in the Danube region.
The Danube is now the most important export gateway for grain from Ukraine. The renewed attacks are likely to further increase the cost of shipping, as marine insurers only ever set special premiums for ship calls in the region at short notice for seven days or individual voyages. (mph)
