According to The Joint Co-ordination Centre (JCC) of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Razoni sailed from the port of Odesa today in the early hours, carrying 26,000 tonnes of corn destined for Lebanon.

Ukraine Minister for Infrastructure, Alexander Kubrakov, said 16 ships have been blockaded in Odesa since the start of the war and are awaiting their turn to sail.

“In parallel, we will receive applications for the arrival of new vessels to load agricultural products,” said Kubrakov.

JCC was set up to co-ordinate the agreement between Russia, Ukraine and the UN to facilitate the safe export of Ukraine’s large grain stocks to the world market—the Black Sea Grain Initiative. JCC comprises representatives from Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye and the UN.

The shipment aboard Razoni is expected to arrive in Turkish waters for inspection on August 2, before sailing to its final destination, Tripoli.

Under the terms of Black Sea Grain Initiative, co-ordinates have been established to create a Humanitarian Maritime Corridor. The details of the corridor have been distributed and the JCC requested participants to ensure their militaries are aware of the vessel’s passage and its right to safety.

“Today Ukraine, together with partners, takes another step to prevent world hunger,” said Ukraine Minister for Infrastructure Alexander Kubrakov.

“Unlocking ports will provide at least $1 billion in foreign exchange revenue to the economy and an opportunity for the agricultural sector to plan for next year.”

Source: https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/dry-cargo/bulker-sails-ukraine-26000-tonnes-corn

IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim said: ““I am pleased to see the first departure. The immense work by the UN and the relevant parties has now come to fruition. IMO will continue to do everything to support safe and secure shipping and ensure the safety of seafarers.”