The company made the decision after one of its vessels was attacked while sailing toward a Russian port.
Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), the world’s largest container shipping operator, has immediately suspended new bookings for cargo shipments to and from the Russian port of Novorossiysk. The move followed a drone attack on one of the company’s vessels, Bloomberg reported.
The incident involved the container ship MSC ULSAN III, which was heading to Novorossiysk. The company did not specify when the attack occurred.
MSC said it is closely monitoring the situation. Until regular weekly services to the Black Sea port resume, customers have been advised to contact the company’s Russian office to explore alternative import and export routes.
After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, MSC, along with other international container carriers, significantly scaled back its operations in Russia. However, international shipping companies have continued to transport mainly food, clothing and medicines to the country.
MSC continues to operate through other Russian ports, including St. Petersburg. A representative of the company’s St. Petersburg office confirmed to Bloomberg that operations in Novorossiysk are currently suspended.
It is worth recalling that Novorossiysk came under a large-scale drone attack on the night of August 12. Port infrastructure and an oil terminal were reportedly targeted. The port is strategically important to Russia, as it handles significant volumes of oil and other cargo and is also home to vessels of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
Later, media reports said that Ukraine had proposed a mutual ceasefire in the Black Sea in order to reduce risks to commercial shipping and exports. However, Moscow rejected the proposal and did not agree to halt attacks on civilian maritime infrastructure and vessels.
Leave a comment