MSC Halts Novorossiysk Bookings After Drone Strike on 2,700-TEU Ship
World’s largest carrier suspends Black Sea port calls following attack on Panama-flagged MSC Ulsan III
The world’s largest shipping line, MSC, has suspended all new cargo bookings to and from Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk after a drone struck its 2,700-TEU container ship MSC Ulsan III on 25 August.
The suspension, confirmed by an employee at MSC’s St. The company said it is monitoring the security situation and will resume its weekly service to Novorossiysk only when it is deemed safe. Customers have been directed to MSC’s Russian office for alternative import and export options, though the carrier continues to operate through other Russian ports, including St. Petersburg.
(Eliminar como nombre propio o título destacado): Novorossiysk
The attack on MSC Ulsan III is the latest in a series of incidents targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea. On 21 August, a Turkish-operated ship, RMS Team, was struck by a drone while sailing toward Novorossiysk, resulting in a fire and one missing seafarer. Earlier this month, the Fesco-operated containership Yanina was hit by two drones approximately 130 mileses from Novorossiysk and subsequently sank. Following the Yanina incident, both Fesco and Turkish regional operator Kalyon suspended all sailings in the Black Sea.
A.P. Møller-Maersk
Ukraine has claimed responsibility for several of these attacks, including strikes on five grain carriers at Novorossiysk and Tuapse on 17 and 18 August. Russia, in turn, has targeted vessels in Ukrainian Black Sea ports, citing the transport of military supplies. The escalation has led to widespread disruptions, with some grain terminals at Novorossiysk ceasing operations entirely. Earlier this month, Ukraine also struck an oil terminal near the port but later agreed to halt attacks on international tankers loading at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s offshore terminal.
“MSC Ulsan III was struck on Aug. 25 after leaving Novorossiysk. There were no reports of injuries, and the ship continued sailing.”
Martin Kelly·Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group
MSC’s (Eliminar como nombre propio o título destacado)
Despite the suspension of Novorossiysk bookings, MSC continues to operate limited services in Russia, a presence it has maintained since reducing its footprint following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The carrier, which boasts a fleet capacity of approximately 7 millionlion TEUs, primarily transports essential goods such as food, clothing, and medicine through its remaining Russian ports.
The disruption extends beyond Russia. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have also temporarily suspended services to Ukrainian Black Sea ports, including Chornomorsk, due to security concerns. Maersk redirected its ships to Romania and is exploring land routes for deliveries, while Hapag-Lloyd’s feeder operators have similarly paused calls at Ukrainian ports.
With attacks on Black Sea ports and commercial ships increasing since July, the region’s shipping industry remains on high alert.
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