Joint Coordination Center (JCC) is managing Black Sea Grains Initiativeagreement between the UN, Ukraine, Russia and Türkiye, which allowed the departure of three ships – two from the port of Chornomorsk and one from Odesa, carrying a total of 58,041 tons of corn through designated “maritime humanitarian corridors”.
Grain deal facilitated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres after the Russian invasion, amid concerns about the blockade of valuable Ukrainian food exports through the Black Sea, was signed between the parties on July 22, in Istanbul.
JCC announced 5 days later, established to realize the Initiative, and the first commercial shipment took place on Wednesday, when Razoni has been cleaned up to leaveto the Lebanese port of Tripoli.
© UNOCHA / Levent Kulu
The first shipment of more than 26,000 tons of Ukrainian food under an export agreement in the Black Sea has been cleared for its final destination, Lebanon.
Its role is allows safe shipping by merchant ships of grain, food and other fertilizers from three important Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea, with the rest of the world.
Corn heading to Türkiye, UK, Ireland
The Istanbul-based JCC, which includes representatives of the countries involved in the deal plus the United Nations, said in a press release that the merchant vessel Polarnet, moored in the port of Chornomorsk, would carry the cargo. 12,000 tons of corn for Karasu in Türkiye.
The Rojen, also anchored in Chornomorsk, will leave on Friday with cargo 13,041 tonnes of corn shipped to Teesport, north of Englandwhile Navistar, anchored in Odesa, will depart with 33,000 tons of corn, to Ringaskiddy, Ireland.
First ship to Ukraine
The JCC said it has also authorized the passage, pending inspection, of the merchant vessel Fulmar S, to Chornomorsk. The Fulmar S is currently moored at the test site near the northwest of Istanbul.
“Three ships are estimated to depart in the morning from their respective ports,” the JCC said. “Times may be affected based on availability, weather conditions or other contingencies. The inspection is expected to take place after arriving at the anchorage area in Turkish territorial waters.”
Drawing on lessons learned during the first M/V Razoni maneuver, the JCC has authorized the move as a second ‘proof of concept’, operational testing of multiple vessels, the JCC said. in the corridor including an incoming train. Add Doa, Corridors have been modified to allow trains to pass more efficiently while ensuring safety.“
Freeing the Gates
The JCC acknowledged the need for commercial ships, which have been stranded at Ukrainian ports since February, to be allowed to depart to “pre-determined destinations”.
“Their movement will free up valuable dock space for more domestic vessels to arrive and transport food to global markets in line with the Initiative.. “
According to pre-agreed procedures, all participants coordinate with their respective military authorities, in Moscow, Kyiv and Ankara, and other relevant authorities to ensure the passage of commercial vessels safe again, JCC emphasized.
“The JCC will closely monitor the safe passage of ships through the humanitarian maritime corridor.”
