Title: The early impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on seaborne trade and transportation in the Black Sea

Authors: Sercan Erol

Addresses: Sürmene Faculty of Marine Sciences, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Türkiye

Abstract: The current study seeks to determine the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the maritime trade and logistics corridors of the Black Sea and, thus, to evaluate the possible alternative modes of transport and trade routes. In line with this purpose, during-war ship data and Türkiye-oriented maritime trade statistics were analysed through the Turkish straits, which connect Black Sea ports to the global market. The findings of the study have revealed that the war had a significant impact on the freight markets and logistics corridor. Costs associated with ship operation and logistics have increased substantially. The war has caused congestion in the mainstream logistics corridors, and thus disruptions in the supply chain and alternative routes were formed. Additionally, the number of ships transiting the İstanbul strait in March 2022 was down 23.42% from the same time last year, and the drop in total ship tonnage was 25.05%.

Keywords: Russian Ukrainian war; seaborn trade; maritime transportation; Black Sea; blue growth; Russia; Ukraine.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2024.139063

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2024 Vol.18 No.3, pp.305 - 323

Received: 21 Oct 2022
Accepted: 28 Nov 2022
Published online: 11 Jun 2024 *

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