Gioia Tauro, Italy (Ports Europe) March 1, 2022 – The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to the temporary closure of all Ukrainian Azov and Black Sea ports. One of many knock-on effects is about 600 containers delayed at the Southern Italian port of Gioia Tauro.
The containers were planned to have been have been loaded on the MSC Shirley ship on route to the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk. The ship arrived in the Calabrian port on the night between 24 and 25 February, coming from the Turkish port of Asyaport, and unloaded the containers destined for Ukraine.
The port had a weekly connection with the Ukraine which is now lost business until the port reopens. This could be a long time for political reasons and also subject to any rebuilding required after any war damage.
Such experiences are likely to be widespread with containers and cargo, previously destines for Ukrainian ports, seek other sea and land routes to their destinations.
MSC said today on its website: “MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is introducing as of 1 March, with immediate effect, a temporary stoppage on all cargo bookings to/from Russia, covering all access areas including Baltics, Black Sea and Far East Russia. MSC will continue to accept and screen bookings for delivery of essential goods such as food, medical equipment and humanitarian goods. MSC has been closely monitoring the advice from governments about new sanctions, following the February 2022 conflict in Ukraine, and has been operating shipping and inland services to and from Russia in full compliance with international sanctions measures, applicable to it”.
The container terminal at the port is operated by Medcenter Container Terminal SPA, part of MSC’s Terminal Investment Limited.
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