Shipping activity in the Black Sea decreased by 37% in a year — Lloyd’s List
9.11.2026 - 16:43
In October 2026, shipping activity in the Black Sea decreased by 37% compared to the same period last year, amid increased attacks on merchant ships and port infrastructure.
This was reported by Lloyd’s List, citing data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
According to analysts, 1,370 cargo ships operated in the Black Sea in October. For comparison, in March their number was 2,091. Since then, shipping activity has decreased every month.
The statistics cover vessels with a deadweight of more than 1,000 tons, which carried out transportation through the ports of six Black Sea states.
A particularly sharp decrease in activity was recorded since August, when the monthly figure decreased by more than 10%.
According to Lloyd’s List, the activity of container ships and bulk carriers in the Black Sea has almost halved since June. At the same time, shipowners are increasingly reviewing the risks of operating in the region, and newer vessels are more likely to leave dangerous routes.
The worsening situation is associated with the escalation of attacks on merchant shipping and port infrastructure, in particular the spread of threats in the waters near NATO countries.
USM previously reported that due to the intensification of attacks in the Black Sea, insurance premiums for military risks for certain particularly dangerous voyages have reached 20% of the value of the ship’s hull.
