Türkiye, Romania, Bulgaria initiate joint Black Sea Operation To secure grain shipments

Türkiye, Romania, and Bulgaria have initiated a joint mine-hunting operation in the Black Sea to enhance shipping safety, particularly for Ukrainian grain exports.

This Istanbul-led initiative marks the first significant joint action by Black Sea nations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The operation aims to neutralize mines that have drifted into specific areas of the Black Sea due to the ongoing conflict.

The Turkish Defence Ministry had previously announced on January 11 the collaborative efforts with Romania and Bulgaria as part of the Black Sea demining team.

The war between Russia and Ukraine, both major grain producers, has jeopardized the secure passage of shipments. After the collapse of a safe-corridor agreement supported by Russia, Türkiye, and the United Nations, Kyiv established its own Black Sea export route last year. While this route has successfully boosted exports and contributed to faster-than-expected economic growth, it remains perilous.

Incidents highlighting the risks include a Russian missile strike near the crucial Ukrainian port of Odesa last year, which hit a commercial vessel, resulting in the death of a pilot and injuries to others. Additionally, a ship chartered by agricultural giant Cargill Inc. was damaged by an explosion while departing from a Ukrainian port in the Black Sea in November.

Despite repeated attacks and disruptions since Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine reported in March that exports from its Black Sea ports had nearly returned to pre-war levels. However, ports around Odesa continue to face frequent strikes from Russia, disrupting their operations.

Since the opening of the marine corridor in August 2023, Ukraine has exported 37.4 million tons of agricultural products from Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi, according to the Ukrainian Infrastructure Ministry's website last week.