Ukrainian Attacks Leave Russia Without Coal Export Vessels in Black Sea

Russia is facing a severe shortage of ships to export coal through the Black Sea following repeated Ukrainian attacks.

The Russian newspaper Kommersant, citing data from the Center for Price Indices, reports that the number of available dry bulk vessels in the region had dropped to just 97 by the end of July.

That is 28% fewer than during the same period last year.

The reduction in the fleet is attributed to insurers refusing to provide coverage for vessels operating in the Azov–Black Sea basin.

Large dry bulk carriers are being redeployed to other shipping routes, while smaller vessels have been laid up until the security situation improves.

Amid the shortage of available vessels and rising freight rates, Russian exporters have not concluded a single coal export deal in the Black Sea over the past week.

Notably, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces are conducting a sustained campaign against Russia-linked vessels in an effort to disrupt the country’s energy exports.