Since the beginning of 2026, more than 570 vessels have been attacked in the Black Sea, and at least 40 seafarers have been killed. This was reported on October 25 by the Financial Times, citing Ambrey and the International Maritime Organization.
For Ukraine, the consequences go far beyond its ports. The danger to crews and the high costs of protecting shipments threaten the routes through which the country exports grain and receives imported goods.
What is happening to merchant vessels in the Black Sea
In the Strait of Hormuz, 24 deaths have been confirmed. In July–September alone, 387 vessels were affected in the Black Sea.
According to Ambrey's assessment, Russia has carried out about 90% of the strikes in the last 45 days. Data on attacks is incomplete.
The comparison of death tolls shows the human cost of what is happening. For carriers, behind these statistics lies a practical question: whether a crew can be found and a voyage ensured with acceptable risks.
Why shipping may become increasingly expensive
War risk insurance can reach 15% of the vessel's hull value, insurers told the FT. This is a possible level, not a uniform tariff.
The economic chain is clear: additional insurance expenses increase voyage costs. If a carrier refuses to go to a dangerous area, the cargo owner has to find another vessel or an alternative route.
For an exporter, this may mean more expensive delivery and less revenue from selling products. Even with an unchanged world grain price, increased logistics costs can reduce the amount that remains with the producer.
Therefore, the safety of maritime communication is important not only to shipowners. The ability of farmers to sell their harvest in a timely manner and receive money for further work depends on the availability of shipping.
What this means for Ukrainian exports
The relevant Ukrainian ministry emphasizes: alternative logistics routes cannot fully replace maritime transport. High military risks and insufficient insurance coverage influence shipowners' decisions to call at Ukrainian ports.
This means that searching for workarounds alone does not solve the problem. To preserve exports, carriers must be willing to work with Ukrainian ports, and delivery costs must allow producers to sell their products without losing the economic sense of such supplies.
On October 16, the ministry announced a government decision to introduce a compensation mechanism of up to 80% of damage to shipowners, operators, and charterers if the relevant risks are not covered by insurers. It applies to consequences of Russian aggression for vessels in Ukrainian territorial waters, on the temporary sea route, and in Ukrainian ports. The purpose of this measure is to reduce financial risks for carriers and support export-import logistics.
Sources: Financial Times; relevant ministry of Ukraine — mechanism of compensation of war risks for shipowners.
