In Ukraine today for merchant ships left Black Sea ports. Their cargo
is simple corn and other food products. But the journey complex part
of a wartime deal with Russia, which is temporarily lifting its blockade
to allow critical deliveries of food to the world. Ships depart from
three ports in Ukraine through treacherous black sea waters and on
to destinations around the globe, including volatile markets hit
by inflation. As those ships leave the Black Sea.
Another packed with grain was set to complete the journey to Lebanon
today, but it is experiencing delays. Ali Rogan reports on the complicated
choreography and delicate diplomacy of these voyages.
Bound for Lebanon. The shipper Azzoni carried a small fraction of
Ukraine's stockpile of grains, but the statement she made was giant
trade from Ukraine's Black Sea ports has, however, slowly resumed.
Two weeks ago, Ukraine and Russia struck the deal, Russia would lift
its blockade of three ports and allow shipments of grain and other
products. Ukraine is one of the world's largest providers of wheat,
corn and sunflower oil. But since Russia's invasion 20 million metric
tons of grain and oil seeds have been stuck driving up global food
prices. Ships in the ports sat idle. International crews were evacuated.
There were 2000 seafarers.
Um, on ships in the Ukrainian waters at the start of the conflict.
We now estimate there's just over 400. So some of these ships had
no cruise at all. John Stoppard is a manager at the International
Chamber of Shipping, which advocates for the maritime industry. Russia
is a party to this deal there also the country that invaded Ukraine.
How unusual is an arrangement like this? Certainly my experience
I've never seen and seen an agreement like this. These are two parties
that are in conflict.
And for a wartime trade deal. There is wartime protocol Military
personnel board and inspect the ship, then radio and all clear a
tugboat attaches to the ship to guide her through the Black Sea filled
with Russian minds before her final stop in Lebanon. There's one
more inspection in Istanbul, Turkey, helped broker the deal with
the United Nations and is overseeing the shipments. The mission's
vessel Razon.
Is loaded with took commodities in short supply, corn and hope, but
hope is no substitute for logistics. The international Chamber of
Shipping estimates it would take 400 ship falls to Export Ukraine
stockpile and that's not counting this year's harvest, which has
been made more uncertain by war. There is no good price for our grains.
The front line is not far from here at any time, it can be finished
in one moment by bombing.
Ukrainian officials say that before the deal, there were about two
dozen ships in total, ready to depart the ports.
The average vessel can transport 20 to 50,000 tons of cargo and more
ships are coming in on Sunday. The commercial ship form R S arrived
at the China more support the first incoming vessel since February,
24th. But this deal only lasts about four months. Do you think this
mission can be accomplished in 120 days and definitely not enough
time for deliberate or car? All grain, big, big, huge work to be
done.
Um, before
The vessel will live sport. Carbo
Senko is co chair of Ukraine's International Maritime Association.
He says the government should allow Ukrainian seafarers to man the
vessels
right now. Martial law prohibits men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the
country
was vessels operated by Bulgarians. Romanians. They good guys, they're
quite experienced. Nothing to say, but it was our ports. It was our
place.
Where we can work. Our Ukrainian Simmons could do this. Everybody
is sending messages to president
Maybe President, not Simmons. That's why you're not understood properly.
What, Well what we're able to do. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky
hasn't said whether he would allow Ukrainian seafarers to join the
voyages. But he has expressed optimism about the deal itself
disappear. Partners of the Grain initiative will keep their end of
the bargain concerning the security part of it. Then the food crisis
which looked so threatening could be overcome, the more our grain
will reach world.
Markets. The lesser will be the crop of political chaos, first of
all in African and Asian countries.
In the Horn of Africa. That crop of chaos grows but not much else.
Thanks to consecutive dry seasons. The run World Food Program is
planning a shipment of food aid from Ukraine.
So far, the cargo leaving Ukraine is headed for commercial markets.
Sean Granville Ross directs the Africa Program for Mercy Corps, an
aid organization as acute hunger worsens. The deal is not this deal
is not immediately going to put people out of the situation they're
in and food and on the table for them. The goals are ambitious, stabilize
food markets and alleviate global hunger, but with steep demand and
challenging logistics and unforgiving clock has already started to
tick.