First convoy of ships to pass through 'grain corridor' from Ukraine to Bosporus

The first convoy of vessels loaded with Ukrainian grain has sailed off the ports of Big Odesa today, August 5.

The Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Oleksandr Kubrakov reports that three bulk carriers — NAVI STAR, ROJEN and POLARNET — together carry 57 thou. t of corn. The grain will be delivered to Turkey, the UK and Ireland.

"With today's caravan, navigation from the port of Chornomorsk has been resumed. We expect that the security guarantees from our partners in the UN and Turkey will continue to be in place, and food exports from our ports become stable and predictable for all market participants. For this purpose, we plan to ensure the capacity of the ports to process more than 100 ships monthly," commented Oleksandr Kubrakov.

Although the 'grain corridor' is already working for the exit, the aim is the complete work of the ports in both directions, the minister added. Ukraine is receiving applications from shipowners who are ready to enter the ports for loading and the first call is expected as early as tomorrow.

"Our goal is 3 or more million tons of exports of agricultural products every month from the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdenny," the minister stressed.

These steps are required not only for the Ukrainian economy but also for the world, Oleksandr Kubrakov concluded. The faster Ukraine can export 20 mln t of last year's crop and start exporting the new one, the faster the food security worldwide will improve.