Up to 70 ships queue at Danube ports as Ukraine grain exports grind to a halt

At least 70 ships are waiting in line at Danube River ports, with grain shipments competing for access against higher-priority cargo like fuel. The Sulin Canal has become a bottleneck due to a shortage of pilots and the prioritization of fuel shipments. Frequent air raid alerts have further disrupted operations, with each day of idling costing up to $8,000. The Black Sea ports, which once handled 90% of Ukraine's grain exports, are effectively blocked by Russian strikes, forcing exports to shift to the Danube, which has lower capacity. Sources report that the situation has led to significant delays and financial losses for Ukraine. The Ukrainian-independent-information-agency warns that disruptions in grain supplies may lead to a rise in global prices. Nexta and Tass note that the Sulin Canal is a key point of congestion, with ships accumulating due to operational constraints and security concerns. Lenta and the Ukrainian-independent-information-agency provide less detailed accounts, focusing on the broader implications of the blockage. The event highlights the ongoing impact of the conflict on global supply chains, with Ukraine's grain exports facing severe logistical challenges. The situation underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the economic consequences of prolonged conflict.