AP – Shipping companies are not rushing to export millions of tons of trapped grain out of Ukraine, despite a breakthrough deal to provide safe corridors through the Black Sea.
That is because explosive mines are drifting in the waters, ship owners are assessing the risks and many still have questions over how the deal will unfold.
The complexities of the agreement have set off a slow, cautious start, but it’s only good for 120 days — and the clock began ticking last week.
The goal over the next four months is to get some 20 million tons of grain out of three Ukrainian sea ports blocked since Russia’s Feb. 24 military operation.
That provides time for about four to five large bulk carriers per day to transport grain from the ports to millions of impoverished people who are facing hunger worldwide.
It also provides ample time for things to go awry. Only hours after the signing Friday, Russian missiles stuck Ukraine port of Odesa one of those included in the agreement.
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