Drone Attacks Raise Security Risks for Black Sea Shipping Amid Container Growth

Escalating drone attacks on commercial vessels at Russian Black Sea ports are raising security concerns for a trade corridor experiencing strong container growth, with regional volumes forecast to exceed 3.2m teu in 2025 (Maritime Executive).

Greece’s shipping ministry issued advisories to its merchant fleet this week after two Greek-operated tankers were struck at Russian ports. Greek shipowners control approximately 21% of global fleet capacity (Safety4Sea), making them the world’s largest cross-trading fleet and heavily exposed to Black Sea operational risk. Lloyd’s List Intelligence data from 2019 showed Greek shipping represented 20% of Black Sea port traffic by capacity – a presence likely maintained or expanded given Greek tankers’ subsequent dominance in Russian energy trades.

The attacks come as Ukrainian ports show recovery from near-total wartime shutdown. Ukrainian container volumes grew 78% in 2024, though from a low base – the country handled roughly 130,000 teu, compared with over 1m teu annually before the invasion (Ukrinform, Maritime Executive). Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine collectively handled 1.31m teu in 2024, with Romania’s DPW Constanta terminal accounting for 67% of regional laden volumes (Maritime Executive).