Ports of Ukraine work at half capacity due to sabotage of ship inspections

The Russian side continues to sabotage inspections of ships with Ukrainian grain. As a result, the ports of Greater Odessa are operating at half capacity.

“At the moment, one of the main problems that causes the greatest damage to our agricultural sector is the naval blockade and sabotage by the Russian side during the inspection of ships moving along the “grain corridor”, – said the General Director of UCAB Roman Slastyon on Inter TV-Channel.

In recent weeks, during inspections, the Russian side does not accept a very large part of ships both for entry and exit. On average, two vessels are inspected per day.

As a result, Ukrainian ports work at half capacity.

“Besides, only three ports are included in the grain initiative, when we also have other ports, for example Mykolaiv. If they were included in the agreement, the problem with exports would be an order of magnitude smaller,” emphasizes the general director of UCAB.

According to him, in addition to the sabotage of inspections, idle ships are also recorded. This significantly increases freight costs and worsens uncertainty about the future work of the Grain Agreement, which discourages buyers.

As a result, agrarians are forced to place a discount on Ukrainian grain, as there are risks in delivery terms.

As previously reported by USM, only Russia blocks the inspection of ships in the JCC.