Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Russia Could Restart 80% of Black Sea Grain Terminals
Russia and Ukraine have attacked ports and ships used to move grain.
Because of this, much of the grain trade through the Black Sea has stopped.
A Reuters review found that Russia could restart about 80% of its nearby grain-terminal capacity if the attacks end.
Three important terminals were badly damaged.
One damaged terminal, called NKHP, could take four to six months to repair.
Other terminals could be ready sooner.
Turkey is helping lead talks to restore the trade.
Russia is also looking for other routes while the talks continue.
The disruption has pushed up grain prices and raised concerns about food supplies.
Russia could quickly restart up to 80% of regional grain-terminal capacity if attacks stop.
Three of nine major terminals suffered serious damage in Ukrainian attacks.
The damaged facilities represent about one-fifth of Black Sea and Sea of Azov loading capacity.
The NKHP terminal in Novorossiysk may require four to six months of repairs.
Diplomatic efforts involving Turkey, India, Egypt and Middle Eastern countries aim to restore grain trade.
- Who
- Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and grain-importing countries including India and Egypt.
- What
- Diplomatic efforts are seeking to restore Black Sea grain trade, while an analysis found that Russia could restart up to 80% of regional terminal capacity if attacks stop.
- When
- The Reuters analysis was reported on September 25; attacks and damage occurred in recent months, including attacks on July 30 and August 12.
- Where
- Russia's Black Sea and Sea of Azov ports, including Novorossiysk, Taman and Taganrog.
- Why
- Attacks and security risks have disrupted grain shipments, contributing to higher global grain prices and food-security concerns.
Ceasefire and Restoration
Alternative Routes and Continued Security Concerns
How to resume exports
Ceasefire and Restoration
Turkey, supported by grain-importing countries, is pursuing diplomatic efforts to halt attacks and restore Black Sea grain trade.
Alternative Routes and Continued Security Concerns
The Kremlin acknowledged diplomatic contacts but said Russia was pursuing alternative export routes in the meantime.
Extent of operational disruption
Ceasefire and Restoration
Reuters' analysis found that about 80% of regional terminal capacity could restart quickly if attacks stop.
Alternative Routes and Continued Security Concerns
Security risks have left terminals with about 53 million metric tons of combined capacity idle, and three major terminals have suffered serious damage.
Repair timeline
Ceasefire and Restoration
The KSK and NZT terminals in Novorossiysk were described as ready to resume operations after minor damage.
Alternative Routes and Continued Security Concerns
NKHP, ZTKT and the Taganrog terminal were halted or seriously damaged; NKHP repairs could take four to six months, while the timing for ZTKT was unclear.
- Potential restart capacity
- Up to 80% of Russia's regional grain-terminal capacity could restart if attacks stop.
- Regional capacity
- Total grain-terminal capacity in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov region is about 67 million metric tons.
- Currently idle
- Terminals with combined capacity of about 53 million metric tons are idle because of security risks.
- Damaged terminals
- Three of nine major terminals suffered serious damage.
- NKHP capacity
- The NKHP terminal in Novorossiysk has annual capacity of 7.1 million metric tons.
- NKHP repair estimate
- Sources estimated repairs could take four to six months.
- Prewar route share
- The route handled up to 70% of Russia's grain exports before the attacks.