Black Sea Security Risks Reduce Container Shipping Options Between Turkey and Russia

Container shipping between Turkey and Russia is becoming more limited as several carriers suspend or withdraw services amid rising security concerns in the Black Sea. Turkish operators Akkon and Arkas are the latest to halt Russian operations, following earlier suspensions by MSC and Fesco.

The withdrawals have reduced the number of available connections, particularly to Novorossiysk, while also increasing costs for shippers. However, trade between the two countries continues, with alternative carriers still operating services in both directions.

Akkon suspends Russian port calls

Turkish container operator Akkon has suspended all calls at Russian ports after determining that the worsening security situation created significant risks for crews, vessels and cargo.

The company had previously diverted its Novorossiysk services to St. Petersburg in August and introduced an additional $2,500 per container surcharge. Following the latest suspension, vessels bound for St. Petersburg reportedly turned back toward Turkey. Cargo already in transit to Russia is expected to be returned to its loading port or discharged at the nearest suitable transshipment location.

Arkas also withdraws from Russia

Turkish carrier Arkas has also reportedly suspended its Russian operations completely, further reducing the number of shipping options available between the two countries.

The latest withdrawals reflect growing concerns among carriers over their exposure to Russian ports following repeated attacks on commercial vessels and increasing security risks across the Black Sea.

MSC and Fesco had already suspended services

MSC previously suspended calls at Novorossiysk after one of its vessels was attacked, further reducing the presence of major international carriers at the Russian Black Sea port.

Russian operator Fesco also withdrew from its Black Sea service in early August after one of its container vessels was sunk off Novorossiysk. Its departure was particularly significant for Turkey-Russia trade because of its role in connecting the two markets.

Some Novorossiysk services remain available

Despite the withdrawals, container trade between Turkey and Russia has not stopped completely. Other operators continue to provide direct services from Turkish ports to Novorossiysk.

Current schedules show HUB offering September sailings from Derince and Ambarlı to Novorossiysk, while MLH also has direct September services from both ports. ULD has additional sailings planned for October.

This indicates that the current situation is primarily a reduction in shipping choices rather than a complete halt in Turkey-Russia container trade.

Russia-Turkey services continue

Alternative services are also available in the opposite direction. Russian operator Ametist Line lists twice-monthly services from St. Petersburg to Ambarlı/Gebze, with transit times of around 20 days. It also offers twice-monthly St. Petersburg-Mersin services and a monthly connection to İzmir.

Its September schedule includes St. Petersburg departures for Ambarlı, Gebze and Sanko, along with northbound services from Turkish ports. Ametist also lists a Novorossiysk-Turkey-Egypt multimodal service on request, covering Gebze, Istanbul and Mersin.

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