Bulk Carrier Attacked Near Chornomorsk, Crew Injured
A bulk carrier named ‘Bull’ was targeted in a drone attack while navigating near the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk in the Black Sea region. The incident occurred on March 4, 2026, at approximately 9:40 PM local time. The vessel was carrying corn and was on its way to the Bosphorus Strait when it sustained significant damage to its superstructure due to the strike. Tragically, two crew members from Sri Lanka were injured in the attack. They were promptly medevaced to Romania for medical treatment.
In response to the attack, official agencies are actively gathering information and coordinating with relevant authorities. Their goal is to assess the full details of the incident and understand its potential implications for maritime operations in the region. This attack raises concerns about the safety of shipping routes in the Black Sea, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ships Depart Odesa Region Amid Ongoing Conflict
On October 17, 2023, three ships successfully departed from the ports of the Odesa Region, utilizing a temporary Black Sea corridor. The vessels included ‘Bull’, ‘Ramus’, and ‘Bahar K’. The ‘Bull’ had entered the Ukrainian port for loading on October 12, while ‘Ramus’ and ‘Bahar K’ arrived on October 13.
Additionally, another ship, ‘Briza’, entered one of the Ukrainian ports on the same day as the departures. According to data from the Center for Transport Strategies, a total of 33 ships have navigated this newly established route to access the ports in the Odesa Region. Moreover, 24 vessels have exited the ports, including five ships that had been docked since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022. This brings the cumulative total of ships that have moved through the corridor in both directions to 57.
New Charter Agreement Reached
In addition to the recent shipping developments, a new charter has been finalized. The details indicate a delivery to Brest at a rate of $11,000 per day, with the trip proceeding via Murmansk. The redelivery will take place on the Continent for Norden. This agreement highlights the ongoing commercial activities in the maritime sector, even amidst the challenges posed by the conflict in the region.
