Russia Bans Night Shipping at Novorossiysk After Drone Attacks on Tankers

Russia placed a midnight-to-5 AM ban on tanker movements at Novorossiysk on July 22, halting port traffic during night hours. Industry sources told Reuters the order was verbal and no document had been issued to shippers.

Three tankers were hit. Ukrainian drones struck Asia and Nissos Ios on July 19 during loading operations at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's terminal near the city, with a fire breaking out on Asia. Nelsa was hit on July 20. Oil loading was suspended after each attack but resumed once fires were extinguished.

Wheat futures on Euronext climbed 4.5% after the restrictions were announced. Novorossiysk handles roughly a third of Russia's grain exports. Similar night bans are already in force further east, covering traffic in the Sea of Azov and through the Kerch Strait.