Russia Bans Nighttime Ship Traffic at Novorossiysk Port After Ukrainian Drone Attacks, Reuters Reports

Russia has temporarily banned ships from entering or leaving the port of Novorossiysk during nighttime hours, Reuters reported on Friday, citing three sources in the agricultural industry. The restrictions, in effect from midnight to 5 a.m., were imposed in response to Ukrainian drone attacks. The port continues to operate normally outside those hours.

According to Reuters' sources, the order was verbal, and authorities did not send any official documents to shippers. Russia's Transport Ministry and the port administration did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Novorossiysk is Russia's largest port by cargo turnover, handling about a third of the country's grain exports, as well as oil and other cargo.

The move follows a previous decision on July 21, when Russia's Transport Ministry banned ships from anchoring near the approaches to the seaports of Azov (Rostov region) and Kavkaz (Krasnodar Krai) in areas not covered by air defense systems. The ministry said the measure was aimed at "ensuring the safety of shipping and preserving the lives of crew members."

Days earlier, Ukrainian drones attacked the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's marine terminal in Novorossiysk during oil loading operations, sparking a fire on one of the two tankers that were hit.

These restrictions highlight ongoing disruptions to Russian shipping and exports due to the war in Ukraine.