Ukraine's Black Sea Ports: A War Zone
The Black Sea ports of Ukraine, once bustling with activity, are now a shadow of their former selves. Russian missiles and drones have been hammering the ports, leaving destruction and death in their wake. Svitlana Halchenko, a warehouse shift manager at the port of Odesa, has seen the devastating effects of these attacks firsthand. 'My crane operator, my partner, died five metres from me… The driver remained in the cabin. He also died,' she recalls, her voice shaking with emotion.
A City Under Attack
Odesa, a city that was once a thriving commercial hub, is now a city under siege. The Russian attacks have had a crippling effect on the port's operations, with many ships too afraid to dock. The few that do attempt to enter the port are often met with Russian missiles and drones. The evidence of these attacks is everywhere, with damaged ships and port infrastructure a stark reminder of the war that is raging on.
'It's been very difficult for morale,' says Svitlana. 'A lot of sirens, a lot of shaheds [drones], a lot of hits. People are very tense.'
The Human Cost
The human cost of these attacks is staggering. According to Ukraine's port administration, July saw 57 Russian attacks on civilian vessels, resulting in the loss of many lives. The psychological toll on the port workers is also significant, with many suffering from anxiety and fear. 'There are a lot of veterans who already served their country,' says Oleg Grygoriuk, Chairman of the Marine Transport Workers Union of Ukraine. 'And they literally say that being in the port is more scary than being on the front line.'
A Shipping Industry in Crisis
The Black Sea has become one of the most dangerous places for shipping in the world. The global shipping journal Lloyd's List has reported that July was the deadliest month for merchant seamen since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. The impact of this crisis is being felt far beyond Ukraine's borders, with the global supply chain beginning to feel the effects.
A Desperate Fight for Survival
Despite the dangers, the people of Odesa are determined to keep their port open. They know that the port is a vital lifeline for their country, and that its closure would have devastating consequences. As one senior manager at the port says, 'My heart is broken. Normally there's a queue, even out at sea, waiting for a berth.' But for now, the port remains largely empty, a testament to the fear and uncertainty that grips the city.
The Future of Ukraine's Ports
The future of Ukraine's ports is uncertain. With the Russian attacks showing no signs of easing, it is unclear how long the ports can remain open. The impact of a prolonged shutdown would be severe, with Ukraine's economy already struggling under the weight of the war. As Volodymyr Slavinskyi, trading director for Nibulon, says, 'We've already lost the ability to deliver to global customers around half a million or 700,000 metric tons of Ukrainian grains and oilseeds.' The people of Odesa can only hope that a solution is found soon, before it's too late.