Officials changes Danube entry procedures to tackle Ukrainian shipping queue
- Ukrainian authorities will process vessels entering Danube ports through the Sulina Canal while still in the Black Sea to reduce a two-week shipping queue.
- Shipping through Danube ports increased due to Russian attacks blocking Black Sea ports, which previously handled 90% of Ukraine's exports.
- This new procedure allows more vessels to enter the canal during the day and reduces reliance on Sulina berths, resulting in less waiting time and fewer maneuvers.
- Dozens of vessels have been delayed due to bureaucratic issues, a shortage of pilots, and increased traffic, leading to extended delivery times for grain shipments to Egypt.
- Grain freight rates for shipments from Danube ports have stabilized at around $100 per metric ton, a significant increase compared to previous months.
- Ukraine has exported 930,000 tons of grain in September 2023, a drop from 1.78 million tons during the same period in 2022.
