THE maritime corridor facilitating Ukrainian and Russian grain exports has shown “encouraging success”, according to the International Chamber of Shipping.

The grain corridor was established in late July under the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a multilateral agreement between Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations.

The grain shipments from ports covered by the initiative are administered by the Joint Coordination Centre, an organisation set up in Istanbul on 27 July.

The latest data from the JCC suggests that by 29 August the total tonnage of grain and other foodstuffs exported from ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Yuhzny/Pivdenny had amounted to almost 1.3 million metric tons.

A total of 122 voyages, including 67 inbound and 55 outbound movements, had been authorised since the initiative took effect.

The JCC reportedly told the ICS the grain exports had an “immediate positive impact” on the price of foodstuffs such as grain and cooking oils worldwide.

Ismini Palla, UN spokesperson at the JCC, reportedly told ICS the goal is to export between two to and five million tons of grain per month from the three Ukrainian ports covered by the initiative.

“We have now reached the operational phase whereby this target can be achievable,” Ms Palla told ICS.

“We are optimistic, but we have to remain realistic, too.”

However, vessels are continuing to operate under significant pressure and constraints due to the surrounding conflict.

According to the ICS, Ms Palla said grain production, transport and storage have been affected by the conflict.

However, with food prices reaching dangerous heights in many areas of the world, JCC said the focus is on keeping the corridor safe and facilitating smooth vessel operations.

“The JCC has stressed that they are focussed on maintaining security in the shipping lane,” ICS said in a statement.

Last month, the ICS outlined concerns around security and insurance flagged by the maritime industry.

“ICS has repeatedly stated that ‘the safety of seafarers and port workers must remain the priority’ throughout this initiative.”