# Ukrainian grain export disruptions via Danube > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ukrainian-grain-export-disruptions-via-danube > Updated: 2026-09-08T21:16:06.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 6. Ukrainian grain exports continue to face significant disruptions due to Russian attacks on Black Sea ports, which previously managed 90 percent of the nation’s grain exports. This has forced a redirection of vessels toward the Danube river, creating a massive bottleneck at the Sulina Canal, the only channel deep enough to reach the Ukrainian ports of Reni and Izmail. As of September 2026, logistical challenges have intensified due to infrastructure needs and ongoing congestion. The National Company “Administrația Canalelor Navigabile” SA Constanța has launched a tender for dredging services on the Danube-Black Sea Canal, valued at over 32 million lei, to combat silt accumulation that threatens navigation. Congestion at the Sulina Canal remains a critical issue. Katerina Kononenko, operations manager at Avalon Shipping, reported that approximately 13 vessels were waiting to exit the canal at Mila 36, with waiting times increasing from one day to three or four days. This bottleneck continues to drive up grain transport costs; shipping rates on short routes toward the Sea of Marmara and the eastern coast of Greece reportedly increased by approximately 10 dollars per ton in a single week. These developments compound previous difficulties, including a shortage of pilots, limited terminal capacity, and high competition for vessel priority. ## Claims - Clearing the queue of approximately 80 vessels could be achieved if 10 vessels enter the Sulina Canal daily. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Russian attacks have blocked Ukraine's main Black Sea ports, which previously handled 90 percent of the country's grain exports. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Sulina Canal is the only Danube channel deep enough for vessels traveling to the Ukrainian ports of Reni and Izmail. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Delays at the canal entrance are attributed to a shortage of pilots and the prioritization of specific cargoes like fuel. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Traffic through the Sulina Canal is improving, with expectations of at least seven vessels entering on Monday compared to five per day last week. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Increased inbound traffic may cause bottlenecks for departing vessels due to limited numbers of inspectors for mandatory checks. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Ukrainian railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia stated that exports via the Danube could increase despite vessel shortages and air-raid alerts. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Danube shipping faces congestion and dredging tenders Congestion on the Sulina Canal is increasing grain transport costs, while the Danube-Black Sea Canal has opened a 32 million lei dredging tender to address navigation risks caused by siltation. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/danube-shipping-faces-congestion-and-dredging-tenders ### 2026-09-08: Ukrainian grain export costs rise due to Black Sea port blockades The blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports is forcing farmers to absorb increased export costs of 50 to 90 euros per ton as they reroute goods through the Danube and European land routes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukrainian-grain-export-costs-rise-due-to-black-sea-port-blockades ### 2026-09-07: Ukraine faces export disruptions and trade deficit amid Russian infrastructure attacks Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure are disrupting exports and increasing trade deficits, forcing a reliance on the Danube corridor for agricultural shipments as the NBU manages currency demand. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukraine-faces-export-disruptions-and-trade-deficit-amid-russian-infrastructure-attacks ### 2026-08-31: Danube vessel queue for Ukraine ports reaches 80 ships About 80 vessels are queued to enter the Danube to reach Ukrainian ports like Reni and Izmail, as Kyiv diverts grain exports from blocked Black Sea ports through the Sulina Canal. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/danube-vessel-queue-for-ukraine-ports-reaches-80-ships ### 2026-08-28: Sulina and Tulcea shipping traffic increases by up to 50% Commercial shipping traffic at Romania's Sulina and Tulcea border points has risen by up to 50% as vessels redirect from Ukrainian Black Sea ports to the Danube to transport goods and grain. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sulina-and-tulcea-shipping-traffic-increases-by-up-to-50 ### 2026-08-25: Ukraine grain exports face Danube bottlenecks as Black Sea ports remain blocked Ukrainian grain exports are heavily disrupted by Black Sea port blockades, causing up to 70 ships to queue at the Danube's Sulina Canal, threatening global food supplies and future crop yields. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sulina-canal-grain-exports-face-major-delays --- Cite as: Ukrainian grain export disruptions via Danube. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ukrainian-grain-export-disruptions-via-danube