Black Sea becomes deadliest commercial shipping corridor amid Russian-Ukrainian attacks

The Black Sea has emerged as the most hazardous route for commercial shipping, with Ambrey and the International Maritime Organization documenting over 570 vessel hits and a death toll of at least 40 sailors, exceeding casualties in the Gulf of Oman. The corridor, essential for global grain supplies and Russian petroleum, is being targeted by drones, missiles and explosive boats as Russia and Ukraine intensify their struggle for control.

Attack frequency has risen to an average of more than four incidents per day in the third quarter, according to Ambrey. While some operators continue to risk the route for record freight rates, many are shifting to older, cheaper ships that are cheaper to insure but face higher seizure risk. Insurance premiums for war risk in the Black Sea have climbed to about 15% of a vessel’s value, nearly double those for Gulf operations. The heightened danger has also prompted the Joint War Committee to label almost the entire Black Sea a war-risk zone, excluding only the territorial waters of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey.