Two more ships, blocked during full-scale war, leave Odesa region’s port

This was reported by the Ministry of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine.

It is noted that the bulk carriers ANNA-THERESA (Liberia flag) and OCEAN COURTESY (Marshall Islands) left the Pivdennyi port and are heading towards the Bosphorus. They are carrying 56,000 tons of pig iron and 172,000 tons of iron ore concentrate.

Both bulk carriers are operated by a Singaporean shipping company. They were in Pivdennyi port before the full-scale invasion. The ANNA-THERESA bulk carrier has been in the port since February 22, 2022, and the OCEAN COURTESY since February 16, 2022.

What is known about the grain corridor

On 17 July, Russia announced the termination of the grain deal. In response, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that it was necessary to continue using the grain corridor even despite Russia's withdrawal from the agreement. 

On July 30, despite the completion of the grain deal, three civilian cargo ships of foreign origin passed the Russian blockade in the Black Sea and anchored in one of Ukraine's grain ports in the Danube Delta.

On August 10, the Ukrainian Navy announced a temporary humanitarian corridor for merchant ships sailing to and from Ukrainian ports.

On August 16, the first vessel left the port of Odesa after Russia announced that it will terminate the grain deal on July 16, 2023.

On August 26, the second vessel left the port of Odesa after Russia announced the termination of the grain deal on July 16, 2023.