Kerch Strait reopened for Russian grain ships after three-month pause

Resumption of traffic through the strait

The Russian Federation has once again permitted grain-laden vessels to exit the Sea of Azov via the Kerch Strait. This came after more than three months of shipping restrictions in the region.

As reported by the Reuters agency, citing its own sources, the first two ships have already successfully passed through the strait. Other vessels are permitted to begin the customs clearance procedure.

Timeframes and reasons for the pause

According to Reuters' sources, the resumption of grain shipments is expected between 1 and 15 November.

Shipping restrictions in the Sea of Azov were introduced on 10 July. The reason was a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on ships and port infrastructure.

Alternative routes

During the period of restrictions, Russia redirected part of its grain supplies via the Baltic Sea.