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16 July 2026

Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the international shipping community with regular updates based on the latest verified developments, operational experience and local market knowledge.

In this edition, we focus on the security situation affecting Ukrainian ports and merchant shipping, recent developments in port infrastructure and export operations, measures aimed at strengthening maritime security, and the continuing resilience of Ukraine’s sea trade under sustained pressure.

• Selected Security Incidents Affecting Ukrainian Ports and Merchant Shipping, March–June 2026
• Port Infrastructure and Operational Capacity
• Strengthening Naval and Maritime Security
• Container Market and Foreign Investment
• Resumption of Urea Exports by Sea
• Outlook: Port Resilience Under Growing Pressure

Russian Attacks Continue to Pressure Ukraine's Export Logistics, While Supply Chains Adapt.

Russia has significantly intensified attacks on Ukraine's port, railway and logistics infrastructure over the past year, aiming to disrupt export operations and weaken the country's economy.

The maritime sector continues to operate; however, the main challenge is no longer cargo availability but rather vessel availability. Following repeated strikes on the ports of Odesa and the Danube region, a number of shipowners have become increasingly reluctant to deploy tonnage to Ukrainian ports due to elevated risks for vessels, crews and potential delays caused by damaged infrastructure. As a result, freight availability remains constrained, particularly within the coaster segment, while freight rates continue to receive support from limited vessel supply. War risk insurance premiums have also increased dramatically, reportedly rising from approximately 0.2–0.3% before the targeted attacks on merchant shipping to around 3.5% today.

Rail transport has also become a primary target. Rather than attempting to destroy railway tracks, Russian forces increasingly focus on locomotives, traction substations and key railway junctions, where repairs require considerably more time. Repeated attacks continue to generate delays, increase transport costs and reduce overall supply chain efficiency.

Overall, Russia's attacks have made Ukrainian logistics substantially more expensive, complex and risk-sensitive, but they have not succeeded in paralyzing export operations. The market has largely adapted to operating under wartime conditions through flexible routing, diversified logistics solutions and continuous risk management. While disruptions remain frequent and insurance, freight and inland transportation costs continue to exceed pre-war levels, Ukraine's export logistics system continues to function.

Selected Security Incidents Affecting Ukrainian Ports and Merchant Shipping (March–June 2026)

The table below provides a brief overview of selected major attacks affecting Ukrainian ports and merchant shipping between March and June 2026, illustrating the continuing security risks faced by Ukraine’s maritime export corridor.

Key observations for March – June 2026

Port Infrastructure and Operational Capacity

Operational dredging has commenced at the port of Izmail in order to restore the designed depths alongside berths and ensure safe vessel calls. The works are being carried out by the Delta-Pilot branch of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, using its own dredging fleet and a floating crane employed on time-charter terms.

The State Enterprise “Chornomorsk Sea Commercial Port” handled around 3.8 million tonnes of cargo in 2025, while its annual container throughput increased almost fourfold, reaching 21,500 TEU. In addition to cargo operations, the port is now involved in a project aimed at developing its own component of an air defence system. Reportedly, this system has already contributed to the destruction of Shahed-type drones and has also been used in demining-related operations.

Strengthening of Naval and Maritime Security

The Ukrainian Navy has received another Alkmaar-class minehunter from the Netherlands. The vessel has been named Henichesk. This is already the fifth mine countermeasure vessel in the Ukrainian fleet. Such ships are designed to detect, identify and neutralise mines both in coastal waters and in open sea areas.

Container Market and Foreign Investment

MSC has acquired a 51% stake in the TIS container terminal at Pivdennyi port. The stake had recently been sold by DP World. The transaction may indicate renewed strategic interest from major international container operators in Ukraine’s port infrastructure, despite the continued wartime risk environment.

Resumption of Urea Exports by Sea

Ukraine has resumed seaborne exports of urea. For the first time in seven years, a shipment produced by Ostchem Group was exported via the port of Chornomorsk to international buyers in the Mediterranean region. The total shipment volume amounted to approximately 21,000 t.

The main export destinations were Italy and Turkey. Buyers of Ukrainian urea include major international companies, in particular the U.S.-based Nitron Group and Korea’s Samsung C&T Corporation.

Outlook: Port Resilience Under Growing Pressure

Despite the continued operation of Ukraine’s maritime export corridor, the pressure on port infrastructure has intensified significantly. In recent months, Russian attacks have increasingly targeted port facilities in the Odesa region, including grain terminals and infrastructure used for the storage and export of sunflower oil. These commodities remain central to Ukraine’s agricultural export structure and to the country’s role in global food supply chains.

According to the Ukrainian Agrarian Council, the situation in the ports of Odesa region has reached a critical point. Businesses operating port terminals are reportedly facing mounting financial pressure, as repeated repairs under continuing shelling have exhausted internal reserves.

At the same time, the scale of maritime activity remains substantial. As of June 2026, Ukrainian seaports had handled around 40 million tonnes of cargo since the beginning of the year. More than half of this volume — over 20 million tonnes — consisted of agricultural products, supporting food supplies to dozens of countries worldwide.

This performance has been achieved under persistent attack. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 1,500 strike drones have been launched against Ukrainian ports. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, 966 port infrastructure facilities and more than 200 civilian vessels have been damaged or destroyed, while 257 civilians have been killed or injured as a result of attacks on port areas.

According to World Bank estimates, Ukraine’s total transport-sector recovery needs stood at USD 96.3 billion as of the end of 2025, with around 60% of transport-related losses linked to disrupted access to ports.

For insurers, shipowners and brokers, the key takeaway is that Ukraine’s ports remain operational and commercially relevant, but the risk environment continues to evolve. Continued monitoring of port resilience, repair capacity and security measures will remain essential for any party involved in trade to or from Ukrainian ports.

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02 July 2026

Below you will find a weekly report dated 1 July 2026, covering the period of 25 June to 1 July, where the following incidents were reported:

• 0 maritime security incidents in West Africa in the last 7 days
• 3 maritime security incidents in the Indian Ocean/Middle East in the last 7 days
• 2 Somalia-based piracy incidents reported in the last 7 days.

Full advisory at the following link.

https://mailchi.mp/tindallriley/loss-prevention-security-update020726-13867438?e=f3da49a36b

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02 July 2026

A merchant vessel was illegally boarded by armed personnel off Yemen on Wednesday, prompting a fresh security warning from the UK Maritime Trade Operations organization as another ship reported a suspicious approach in nearly the same area just hours later.

The first incident occurred approximately 76 nautical miles south of Balhaf, Yemen. Initial reports described a suspicious small craft approaching the vessel, but a subsequent investigation found that four-armed individuals aboard the craft successfully boarded the ship.

The incident as an illegal boarding, saying the unauthorized personnel caused damage to the vessel’s bridge and several adjacent compartments before departing. The crew retreated to the ship’s citadel and were reported safe.

The attackers were reported to have been armed with an RPG. After leaving the vessel, the small craft remained active in the area, raising concerns that it could pose a threat to other shipping.

The master of a tanker reported another suspicious approach roughly 85 nautical miles south of Balhaf.

The tanker reported that a small craft with four persons on board approached to within about two nautical miles off its port quarter before turning away and proceeding south. The crew was reported safe, and the vessel continued its voyage.

The two incidents occurred in the same area of the Gulf of Aden, where merchant ships have continued to face threats from armed small craft despite an overall easing of regional tensions elsewhere.

The incidents also come one day after the Joint Maritime Information Centre reported no confirmed maritime security incidents during the previous 48-hour reporting period, although it warned that the threat from hostile small-craft activity in the Gulf of Aden remained. JMIC said regional instability continues to sustain the risk of suspicious approaches, even as southwest monsoon conditions reduce the ability of skiffs to operate far offshore. 

Authorities are investigating both incidents.

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02 July 2026

An incident where a vessel’s cook injured his hand after slipping in the galley.

What happened

A vessel’s cook was working in the galley, cleaning up post mealtime, when he slipped and braced his outstretched arm/hand against the corner of the galley sink. He immediately felt slight discomfort, but there was later swelling and increased pain.

On arrival in port 2 days later the IP was disembarked for medical examination. The IP was diagnosed with a closed, undisplaced metacarpal fracture with associated wrist tenderness and reduced movement.

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