The Turkish Ministry of Defense has verified that three dry cargo vessels loaded with grain departed Ukrainian ports in the morning hours of August 5, marking a coordinated movement within the broader humanitarian corridor. The ships named by Ankara are Navistar, Rojen, and Polarnet. Official briefings from Türkiye indicate that each vessel will be under the oversight of representatives from the Joint Coordination Center, the GCC, which is tasked with monitoring and facilitating safe passage through the corridor. The UN and other international observers have repeatedly underscored the role of the GCC in ensuring transparency and compliance with agreed safety protocols as ships traverse the Black Sea on the way to designated destinations.
According to UN News reporting, the trio is carrying a combined total of 58,041 metric tons of corn. The Polarnet has its voyage charted toward Karasu in Turkey, while Navistar is slated to sail for Ringaskiddy in Ireland. Rojen is planned to proceed to Teesport in the United Kingdom. These destinations reflect the ongoing effort to create viable outlets for Ukrainian grain, supporting regional food security and market stability after weeks of disruption caused by the conflict in the region.
Meanwhile, the Responsible Sea Corridor Authority, SKC, continues to oversee the secure and orderly passage of ships through the humanitarian route. This oversight includes adherence to safety measures, adherence to declared routes, and timely communications between the ships and the GCC coordinators to address any operational contingencies that may arise during transit.
The Razoni, a separate vessel previously carrying a substantial load of corn, has been observed sailing from the port of Odessa toward Lebanon under a Sierra Leone flag. This movement is part of the broader sequence of grain shipments that have emerged since the signing of the agreement that established a grain corridor across the Black Sea region. The formal accord, reached on July 22, involved four key parties—Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the United Nations—and laid the groundwork for exporting agricultural products from the Ukrainian ports of Chernomorsk, Odessa, and Yuzhny. The arrangement aims to support food security in importing nations while reducing market volatility tied to the disruption of the Black Sea corridor.
Analysts note that the ongoing shipments represent a careful balance of security, commerce, and humanitarian considerations. Each voyage is subject to continuous monitoring by international authorities to ensure compliance with safety standards, including provisions for the protection of civilian life at sea and the prevention of environmental risks. The collective effort emphasizes cooperation among national authorities, international organizations, and port operators to maintain a functioning supply line that serves consumers and farmers alike in Canada, the United States, and beyond. The ongoing shipments underscore the importance of predictable logistics amid fluctuating market conditions and evolving geopolitical dynamics, with the international community closely watching how the corridor evolves and responds to any emerging challenges.
In summary, as August unfolds, three grain carriers—Navistar, Rojen, and Polarnet—are moving through the Black Sea corridor under GCC supervision, delivering 58,041 tons of corn to international destinations while the Razoni’s journey continues to reflect the broader grain-export framework that remains central to regional and global food security. The agreement signed in late July stands as a cornerstone for resumed trade and humanitarian relief efforts, reinforcing the shared commitment of the involved parties to sustain open and safe maritime routes for essential agricultural commodities.