Sulina Canal delays increase shipping costs and grain prices

Shipping operators report significant economic challenges at the Sulina Canal due to increasing vessel waiting times. Currently, approximately 90 ships are waiting, with about 90% of them having exceeded their contractual time limits and incurring demurrage costs.

Estimates suggest that at an average rate of 5,000 USD per ship per day, the gross financial exposure for 90 vessels reaches roughly 450,000 USD daily. Waiting times vary significantly by destination: vessels heading to Ukrainian ports such as Reni, Izmail, and Kiliya face delays of 12 to 16 days, whereas those bound for Romanian ports like Galați, Brăila, and Tulcea wait only 3 to 4 days.

These logistical delays directly impact the price of cereals, as the increased costs of staying stationary are passed through the supply chain.