Russia bans night shipping at Novorossiysk port after drone attacks
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Russia imposed a temporary ban on vessel entry and exit at Novorossiysk port from 00:00 to 05:00 due to Ukrainian drone attacks, Reuters reported on July 22, citing three grain industry sources. The order was verbal and no official document was issued, sources said, adding that port operations remain normal except during night hours and grain loading has not been affected. The transport ministry and port administration did not respond to requests for comment.
Port Restrictions
Novorossiysk, Russia's largest port by cargo turnover, handles up to a third of Russian grain exports. The night ban follows earlier restrictions: on July 11, Russia suspended shipping through the Kerch Strait and the Azov-Don Canal after Ukrainian strikes on tankers in the Azov Sea. On July 17, the transport ministry banned anchoring in areas not protected by air defense near the ports of Azov and Kavkaz.
Market and Oil Impact
Euronext wheat futures for September delivery rose 4.5% on the news of the night regime. Separately, Bloomberg reported that the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal near Novorossiysk was set to stop receiving pipeline supplies as tanker companies avoid the facility. Kazakhstan was forced to halt oil deliveries via pipeline to its main export terminal on Russia's Black Sea coast, according to Bloomberg.
Drone Threats
On July 19, the CPC terminal was attacked by Ukrainian drones, hitting tankers flying Liberian and Marshall Islands flags with international crews. Drone alerts in Novorossiysk and other Krasnodar region cities are issued almost daily.
What's Next
The night ban remains in effect indefinitely, with no official end date announced. It remains unclear whether further restrictions will be imposed or how long tanker companies will avoid the CPC terminal.
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Russia bans night shipping at Novorossiysk port after drone attacks
