Vessel traffic in Ukraine grain corridor slumped by 50%: JCC
Since the extension of the "grain deal" on November 19, UN data show, no more than 5 ships per day have been leaving Ukraine, compared to up to 10 ships per day in previous weeks and months, Reuters reports.
UN spokesperson for the Black Sea Grain Initiative Ismini Palla said that the movement of ships was disrupted by uncertainty over the extension of the grain deal, adverse weather conditions in Istanbul, and the rotation of new staff and inspectors at the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC).
"The JCC continues to seek ways to plan inspections for the winter and deploy sufficient capacity. We urge all sides to make every effort to agree on a sustainable and viable plan moving forward," she said.
It is noted that vessel inspections by four-party teams have slowed down significantly in recent weeks. Thus, in the seven days before November 23, 27 vessels left Ukraine, compared to 36 for the previous week and 38 for the period from October 27 to November 2.
Eight ships departed between November 3 and 9, just after russia briefly suspended its participation in the agreement, restricting the movement of ships bound for Ukraine.
Currently, some 112 ships are pending inspections in Istanbul waters, including some that have been idle for more than a month, the JCC reported, adding that ways to increase the number of ship inspections are being discussed.
The "Initiative on the Safe Transportation of Grain and Foodstuffs from Ukrainian Ports" was extended for another 120 days on November 17.
