Key facts
- Russia could restart up to 80% of its Black Sea and Sea of Azov grain terminal capacity if attacks stop.
- Three terminals, representing about 20% of export infrastructure, have sustained heavy damage.
- The NKHP terminal in Novorossiysk suffered significant damage in an August 12 attack, with repairs estimated to take up to six months.
- ZTKT and a terminal in Taganrog are also inoperable due to damage.
- Terminals with a combined capacity of approximately 53 million tons are currently idle due to security risks but could resume operations.
Russia could quickly restart up to 80% of its grain terminal capacity in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov if diplomatic efforts to halt mutual attacks by Russia and Ukraine result in a ceasefire, according to a Reuters analysis of industry data. However, three terminals accounting for about 20% of Russia's grain export infrastructure in the area have suffered heavy damage and could take months to repair.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is leading an international effort by grain-importing countries to restore Black Sea grain trade, which has been stalled by attacks on ports and vessels in recent months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that India, Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries were also involved. The Kremlin acknowledged diplomatic contacts but said Russia was finding alternate export routes in the meantime.
The Reuters analysis examined nine major grain terminals in the region, as well as smaller facilities in the Sea of Azov and Don river delta, using information from four sources familiar with terminal operations. Before the attacks, the route handled up to 70% of Russia's grain exports.
One of Russia's three largest grain terminals, NKHP in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, suffered serious damage in an August 12 attack. The terminal has an annual capacity of 7.1 million metric tons, and repairs could take up to six months. Damage at the other two Novorossiysk terminals, KSK and NZT, was minor, according to one source.
The other damaged terminals, ZTKT at the Black Sea port of Taman and a terminal in Taganrog on the Azov Sea, have halted operations, although the full extent of the damage could not be established. Together, ZTKT and Taganrog have an annual capacity of 6.7 million tons. ZTKT, which has an annual capacity of 5.5 million tons, was hit on July 30 and is unable to load grain.