A new security incident in the Black Sea has forced one of the world’s largest container carriers to suspend new cargo bookings to and from Russia’s Novorossiysk port. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. took the decision after its container vessel, MSC ULSAN III, was attacked by a drone while sailing toward Novorossiysk. MSC has not disclosed when the incident occurred or provided further details about the attack.
The suspension affects MSC’s regular weekly service through Novorossiysk. The carrier has advised customers to contact its Russian agency to discuss alternative arrangements for import and export cargo until security conditions allow services to resume. The move does not represent a complete withdrawal from Russia, as MSC continues to operate through other Russian ports, including St. Petersburg.
For shippers and logistics teams, the development adds another layer of uncertainty to Black Sea container movements. With commercial vessels exposed to security risks in the region, the ability to identify alternative routing options and adjust shipment plans quickly is becoming increasingly important.