Three of Russia’s four major Black Sea grain terminals reportedly remain out of operation after the August 12 drone attack on Novorossiysk, limiting vessel arrivals and loading activity. GrainTrade, citing Bloomberg, said four civilian cargo vessels were hit near Novorossiysk on August 18–19, including ships carrying or preparing to load wheat. The Malta-flagged Elina B was struck after loading 56,000 tonnes, while the Marshall Islands-flagged Fehu was damaged while departing. A fifth vessel, Necibe, was hit at nearby Tuapse.
The article also reports that vessel arrivals for loading at Ukrainian Black Sea ports have largely stopped since July 22, while Russian port arrivals have been disrupted since August 12. Asian importers are consequently seeking supplies from alternative origins.
Regional price indications reflect the disruption. Food wheat offers at Constanta, Burgas and Varna rose from $240–245/t to $270–275/t FOB, while Russian wheat declined to $210–215/t FOB Novorossiysk. French wheat was quoted at $259–265/t, and US SRW at $283/t. Ukrainian wheat delivered to Constanta increased to $235–236/t. Continued uncertainty around Black Sea port access is directly relevant to origin selection, freight planning and European physical wheat trade.