On Friday, the 12-year-old 75,200 dwt bulk carrier Georgia S, chartered by Cargill, struck a mine in Ukrainian waters.
The bulk carrier sustained minor damage as a result of the incident. The vessel was travelling south from Yuzhny when it struck a mine west of Snake Island. The Liberian-flagged vessel continued its journey to Romania.
Last week, Ambrey, a company specialising in security issues, reported two drifting mines off the coast of Ukraine. They likely came off their anchors during recent storms.
Since Russia withdrew from the United Nations-backed Black Sea Grain Initiative in July, the security situation for shipping in the region has become much more dangerous, with both Ukraine and Russia targeting enemy ports. Insurance premiums for ships calling at Ukraine have skyrocketed in recent months, and numerous merchant vessels have been caught in the crossfire during the 21 months of war.
Insurance broker Marsh MMC.N, Lloyd’s of London insurers and Ukrainian state banks launched a programme this week to cut the cost of claims for damage to ships and crew transporting grain through the Black Sea corridor.
