russia blocks registration of incoming fleet to all Ukrainian ports in Black Sea Grain Initiative

The Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) in Istanbul announced the impossibility of scheduling an inspection plan for June 1. The russian delegation groundlessly refused to register the incoming fleet for participation in the grain corridor, the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine says in a statement.

"On May 30 and 31, russia registered a single incoming vessel to call at the Port of Chornomorsk without explanation, while other parties to the JCC confirmed 10 vessels to three ports for participation in the Black Sea Initiative. russia's obstructive stance and the absence of registered vessels for inspection have made it impossible to develop an inspection plan for today, which has been communicated to all parties by the JCC Secretariat," the message reads.

There are currently 50 vessels waiting in line for inspection in Turkish territorial waters, intended to be loaded with 2.4 million tons of agri-food commodities for the world. This amount is almost double what was exported in May. Some vessels have been waiting for JCC inspections for over three months, resulting in losses exceeding USD 1 billion and impacting the final cost of food for the world.

The Ukrainian delegation has sent a letter to the JCC Secretariat demanding the resumption of full-time work, consisting of three inspection teams and nine inspections per day, in accordance with JCC procedures. Ukrainian inspectors are currently present at the JCC and are prepared to commence work immediately upon the restoration of ship registration.

In May, Ukraine exported 1.3 million tonnes of agricultural products to 11 countries, down 52% from April. A total of 33 ships loaded with agricultural products departed Ukrainian ports last month.