Three major Russian Black Sea grain export terminals have reportedly restricted grain deliveries via truck, citing increased shipping risks in the Black Sea and a surge in logistical demands following limitations in the Sea of Azov, according to five industry sources.
This development follows Russia's decision earlier in July to curtail shipping through the Sea of Azov after Ukrainian drone attacks targeted several Russian grain vessels on that route, which accounts for approximately a quarter of the nation's grain exports. Grain from southern agricultural regions previously routed through the Sea of Azov is now being redirected by truck and rail to deep-water grain terminals in the Black Sea. However, these Black Sea ports have also experienced an increase in attacks, contributing to the elevated risks.
The terminals identified as restricting road deliveries—NZT and KSK in Novorossiysk, and ZTKT in Taman—collectively possess an annual shipping capacity exceeding 20 million tons of grain, a significant portion of Russia's approximately 50 million tons in annual seaborne grain exports. While the Novorossiysk terminals can still accept rail-delivered grain, these deliveries are confined to southern Russian regions. Approximately one-third of the grain processed by these two terminals arrives by truck, whereas ZTKT exclusively handles trucked grain. These facilities serve key Russian grain purchasers, including Egypt and Turkey.
Demetra and Delo Group, the stated owners of these terminals, have not yet responded to requests for comment from Reuters. The port of Kavkaz, previously utilized for transshipping grain from smaller vessels in the Sea of Azov to larger ships, was reportedly closed shortly after shipping restrictions were imposed in the Sea of Azov on July 10. Additionally, a week prior, Russia implemented a nighttime ban on vessel movements in and out of the port of Novorossiysk due to drone attacks, a measure that remains in effect.
Industry sources indicate that Russia is exploring further diversification of its export routes, with ports in the Baltic region emerging as a potential priority due to their perceived safety as an alternative. The Caspian Sea route is also being considered, although it primarily facilitates shipments to Iran, and faces its own rising risks exacerbated by regional conflicts and a recent Ukrainian attack on an Iranian vessel. Shipments via the Caspian Sea have reportedly not seen an increase since mid-July.
