Ukraine: Millions of tons of grain are transported through the Danube

The Ukrainian government says it is sending more and more grain through the Danube, according to Handelsblatt.

Just yesterday, eleven ships were heading to the Ukrainian Danube ports of Ismajil, Reni and Ust-Dunaisk – more than at any time since the start of the war six months ago, the Ministry of Infrastructure announced today. According to the report, they loaded a total of 45,000 tons. Since March, more than four million tons of grain have already left the country through Ukraine’s Danube ports, according to the ministry.

After the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine, the Black Sea ports of the attacked country and thus important export routes were initially blocked for months. On July 22, Ukraine and Russia, brokered by the UN, each signed separate agreements with Turkey to allow Ukrainian exports from three ports. It is estimated that more than 20 million tons of grain products are stored in Ukraine.

The Istanbul Coordination Center, which was established under the grain deal in late July, said over the weekend that one million tons of grain and other food have so far been exported through the Black Sea route. A total of 103 ships had set sail, 46 from Ukrainian ports and 57 bound for Ukraine.

In addition to the Black Sea, Ukraine can also transport grain through the Danube. However, this route is considered more cumbersome. Ships must first go up the Danube to Cernavoda and from there through the Danube-Black Sea Canal to the port of Constanta. Possible, but still insufficient, is the rail route in Romania.