The 12-year-old 75,200 dwt Georgia S bulk carrier – on charter to Cargill – struck a mine on Friday in waters off Ukraine, suffering minor damage. The ship was heading south from Yuzhny when it struck a mine to the west of Snake Island.
bulk carrier – on charter to Cargill – struck a mine on Friday in waters off Ukraine, suffering minor damage. The ship was heading south from Yuzhny when it struck a mine to the west of Snake Island.The Liberian-flagged vessel was able to carry on its journey to Romania.
Over the past week, security consultants Ambrey reported on two drifting mines washing up on the Ukrainian shoreline. These would have likely broken from their anchors during recent storms. Russia has also reportedly dropped sea mines in the area during the past month.
Since Russia pulled out of the United Nations-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative in July, shipping has faced a far more precarious security situation in the region, with Ukraine and Russia both targeting enemy ports. Insurance premiums for ships calling Ukraine have rocketed in recent months, while the 21 months of war between the two East European neighbours have seen a number of merchant ships hit in the crossfire.
Splash reported last week that Kyiv has reached a deal with Lloyd’s of London and Marsh McLennan to bring insurance cover for ships taking Ukrainian grain exports.
