Panamax vessel navigated maritime corridor in Black Sea amid Russian drills

The bulk carrier MV Melia with a deadweight of 76.225 mt and a draft of 12.85 m successfully navigated the maritime corridor in the Black Sea from the Neptune grain terminal (the Port of Pivdenny) and is now heading for the next port of destination, the co-owner of TIS Ukraine and M.V. Cargo Andriy Stavnitser reports on Facebook.

"This is the first Panamax vessel to successfully pass an additional corridor," he comments.

He adds that the State Hydrographic Service of Ukraine (SHSU) will soon issue an official announcement that the depths of 15m+ have been confirmed and the ports can operate as normal.

"Now we have to have many conversations with our international partners and convince them that the situation from the inside is much better than the headlines might suggest," marks Andriy Stavnitser.

For context, Russia started military drills in the Black Sea on Feb. 13, 2022. Until Feb. 20, cargo vessels will have to pass through an additional corridor.