Hundreds of tons of grain and oilseeds trapped on vessels are facing deterioration in Ukraine

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), most of the approximately 1,000 seafarers trapped in Ukraine have already left, while the remaining small number is under the continuous attention of various international organizations and relevant countries and governments.

Since the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on February 24, about 100 ships have been stranded, and mines may explode at any time in the waters near their moorings. So far, several foreign cargo ships have been attacked in Ukraine. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies, there are particular concerns for the safety of seafarers near the port of Mariupol, a key focus for both sides.

Following Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the heads of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have urged immediate action to safeguard sailors and ships stuck in Ukrainian ports and neighboring waterways.

As well as the hazards deriving from bombardment, many of the ships concerned now lack food, gasoline, fresh water, and other crucial supplies. As a result, the status of many countries' seafarers is becoming increasingly unsustainable, posing severe health and safety dangers.

In addition to the seafarers in danger, hundreds of tons of grain and oilseeds trapped on vessels are facing deterioration in Ukraine.

About 1.25 million tons of grain and oilseeds are currently stranded on merchant ships in Ukrainian ports, and some of the cargo is about to deteriorate, Mykola Solskyi, Ukraine's farm minister, said on Friday.

Ukraine, which exports almost all of its grain and oilseeds through its sea ports, is now forced to find new routes due to the blockade of its ports.

It is reported that Ukraine usually exports more than 6 million tonnes of grain and oilseeds per month. However, due to the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the country's grain and oilseed exports dropped to 200,000 tons in March, less than a third of the original volume.

The cargo has been loaded onto 57 ships, Solskyi said. Grain has a retention period and in most cases, it isn't easy even for the captain to control it from spoiling, so the grain cannot be left on board for a long time. He added that everything depends on the condition of the ship's hold, and if the grain is stored for more than three months, problems will arise and part of the cargo will start to deteriorate.

In terms of trade routes, Ukraine exports more grain to North Africa and the Middle East, and Solskyi said that these regions would be forced to spend more money on wheat from other regions. If North Africa and the Middle East begin to diversify their grain purchases, grain prices will continue to be pushed up. In this case, even if the Russian-Ukrainian conflict ends, the climax of grain price increases will continue for three to five years.