The Black Sea has become the world’s deadliest shipping route in 2026, with more than 570 vessels struck and at least 40 sailors killed since the beginning of the year, surpassing the Persian Gulf in both the number of attacks and maritime fatalities.
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According to the Financial Times on October 25, citing maritime security company Ambrey and the International Maritime Organization, attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea have reached levels more than six times higher than those recorded in the Persian Gulf, where 24 sailor deaths have been confirmed.
Infographic illustrating how attacks on Black Sea ports and commercial vessels disrupt grain exports from Ukraine and Russia. (Source: Anadolu via Getty Images)
The situation deteriorated sharply during the summer. Between July and September, 387 vessels were struck—more than five times the number recorded in the previous quarter. Ambrey estimates that Russia was responsible for approximately 90% of attacks on shipping over the past 45 days.
The latest incidents have extended beyond Ukrainian waters. On October 23, a tanker was struck near Romania’s coast, leaving one sailor dead and three others missing. Earlier, on October 15, drones struck two chemical tankers near Romania, including the Wine Trader and Yara J.
The escalation has significantly disrupted operations at Ukraine’s Greater Odesa ports. According to port operator TIS, fewer than 10 ships passed through the ports last month, compared with approximately 400 in July.
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Shipping companies are also facing rising insurance costs. The Financial Times reported that war-risk insurance premiums could reach 15% of a vessel’s hull value, nearly twice the rate for ships operating in the Persian Gulf.
As a result, some operators have withdrawn from Black Sea routes, while others are deploying older vessels, some up to 50 years old, to reduce insurance expenses.
The disruption has also affected Ukraine’s agricultural exports. Maritime shipments fell to 1.4 million tonnes in August, approximately 75% below prewar levels, while continued attacks on ports have complicated efforts to redirect exports through the Danube.
