MSC has suspended operations involving the Port of Novorossiysk. According to reports from Bloomberg and Lloyd’s List, MSC informed customers that it had temporarily suspended new cargo bookings to and from the Russian port of Novorossiysk, as well as its regular services through the port, until local operations can safely resume. The decision follows a recent drone attack on the MSC container ship MSC ULSAN III. MSC has not published an announcement about the incident on its website. Information about the booking suspension has mainly come from media reports citing an MSC customer notice.

Key Highlights 

• Booking suspension: MSC has suspended new cargo bookings to and from the Port of Novorossiysk. 

• Drone attack: The MSC container ship MSC ULSAN III was recently attacked by a drone in the Black Sea. 

• Limited scope: The decision applies to Novorossiysk and does not represent a complete suspension of MSC’s services to Russian ports. 

• Existing bookings: Customers with cargo already booked should confirm sailing schedules, port calls, and onward transport arrangements.

MSC Suspends New Bookings to and from Novorossiysk

According to reports, MSC has informed customers that it has temporarily suspended new cargo bookings to and from Novorossiysk, along with its regular services through the port. MSC advised customers with import or export shipments involving the port to contact its representatives in Russia for further information about alternative routes and next steps.

Based on currently available information, the decision applies specifically to Novorossiysk and does not mean that MSC has suspended all services to Russian ports. MSC continues to serve other Russian ports, including St. Petersburg. Any resumption of services at Novorossiysk will depend on local security and operating conditions.

MSC Container Ship Attacked by Drone

The decision follows a drone attack involving MSC ULSAN III. Public reports indicate that the MSC container ship was recently attacked by a drone while sailing in the Black Sea. Bloomberg, citing an MSC customer notice, reported that the vessel was heading to Novorossiysk at the time.

However, publicly available information has not confirmed the exact time of the attack, and MSC has not disclosed the extent of any damage to the vessel. What can currently be confirmed is that MSC adjusted its booking arrangements and regular services involving Novorossiysk following the security incident. Further details about the condition of the vessel remain unavailable.

Black Sea Risks Begin to Affect Bookings and Sailing Schedules

Located on Russia’s Black Sea coast, Novorossiysk is an important hub for container shipping and energy transport. The port and surrounding areas have previously experienced drone attacks. The latest incident has now affected the booking arrangements of an international container carrier, indicating that local security risks are beginning to have a direct impact on shipping operations.

Freight forwarders arranging shipments through Russia’s Black Sea ports should confirm the current booking status and transport arrangements. For new shipments, forwarders should first verify whether MSC is accepting bookings involving Novorossiysk. For cargo already booked, they should check for changes to sailing schedules and port calls. If the original transport plan cannot proceed, alternative ports or onward transport arrangements should be confirmed as early as possible to avoid last-minute changes.

Sources and Disclaimer 

This article is based on information from Bloomberg, Lloyd’s List, and other publicly available sources. It is provided solely for industry reference.