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World’s Largest Shipping Company Halts Bookings to Russia’s Black Sea Port of Novorossiysk After Drone Strike
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MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co., the world’s largest container shipping company, has temporarily stopped accepting new bookings to and from Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk after one of its vessels was struck by a drone.
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The suspension took effect immediately following an attack on the MSC ULSAN III as the vessel was sailing toward Novorossiysk, according to an MSC customer notice reviewed by Bloomberg on August 26. The company did not disclose when the strike occurred.
MSC said it was continuing to monitor security conditions in the area. In the meantime, customers have been advised to contact the company’s Russian agency to explore alternative arrangements for imports and exports until regular weekly services through Novorossiysk can resume.
According to Bloomberg, MSC significantly reduced its business in Russia following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The international container traffic that has continued generally involves essential and civilian goods, including food, clothing, and medicines.
MSC has not halted operations at all Russian ports, however. The company continues to serve other locations, including St. Petersburg in northwestern Russia, the outlet reported.
The disruption in Novorossiysk comes amid a series of recent attacks on vessels operating near the key Russian Black Sea port.
On August 16, the Greek-operated Suezmax tanker Skiros was struck near Novorossiysk shortly after loading Russian-origin crude at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal, Bloomberg reported. The vessel, which can carry approximately 1 million barrels of oil, was attacked soon after completing loading operations.
The incidents come amid a broader Ukrainian maritime campaign targeting Russian vessels and infrastructure in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have reported striking a total of 218 Russian vessels during the month-long campaign.
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