The Black Sea remains an indispensable gateway for global maritime trade despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, and recent events demonstrate both resilience among Ukrainian exports as well as increased security risks affecting shipping operations.
Ukraine Black Sea Corridor Achieves Export Milestone
On December 16th, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba revealed that since August 2023 when its establishment took effect, the Black Sea corridor has seen over 162 million tonnes of cargo delivered - including over 98 million tonnes of grain and vegetable oil delivered to 55 different nations around the globe.
Nearly 7,000 vessels have already used the corridor despite persistent military threats, with Ukraine fortifying seaport security by providing backup power sources, cogeneration units and modernizing critical infrastructure to withstand energy constraints and attacks.
Black Sea War Risk Premiums have increased substantially.
As security dynamics have changed, Black Sea maritime war risk premiums have seen an upward trend while their counterparts in Red Sea saw declines, an indication of increasing insurer concern regarding regional instability affecting trade routes. This trend, observed around December 8th, shows a disturbing trend.
This increase is reflective of greater challenges for vessels operating in this area, where military activities pose threats to commercial shipping.
Russian Oil Exports from Black Sea Ports Increase in July
Russia continued to export both crude oil and petroleum products from its Black Sea and Azov Sea ports in July 2025, according to data compiled by BlackSeaNews and Black Sea Institute of Strategic Studies' Monitoring Group and Institute. Crude oil tankers outnumbered product tankers by roughly 3:1.
Exports included Russian crude from ports like Novorossiysk, Taman and Tuapse along with Caspian Pipeline Consortium oil from Novorossiysk which contained approximately 80
Russia continues to rely heavily on Black Sea routes as a source of energy exports while circumventing sanctions through shadow fleet activities.
Ukrainian Drone Strike on Russian Terminal
Ukrainian drones launched an attack against one of Russia's major oil and gas terminals located in Krasnodar region, disrupting operations at this key facility and intensifying tensions in the region.