The early impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on seaborne trade and transportation in the Black Sea

The current study seeks to determine the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the maritime trade and logistics corridors of the Black Sea and, thus, to evaluate the possible alternative modes of transport and trade routes. In line with this purpose, during-war ship data and Türkiye-oriented maritime trade statistics were analysed through the Turkish straits, which connect Black Sea ports to the global market. The findings of the study have revealed that the war had a significant impact on the freight markets and logistics corridor. Costs associated with ship operation and logistics have increased substantially. The war has caused congestion in the mainstream logistics corridors, and thus disruptions in the supply chain and alternative routes were formed. Additionally, the number of ships transiting the İstanbul strait in March 2022 was down 23.42% from the same time last year, and the drop in total ship tonnage was 25.05%.