August M
Turkey’s commercial footprint in the Black Sea places it among the countries most directly exposed to disruptions in one of Europe’s most fragile maritime corridors. Turkish shipowners continue to operate routes serving Ukrainian ports despite the ongoing war, linking national trade interests to an increasingly volatile region.
That exposure became visible in mid-December, when hostilities near Ukraine’s southern coast directly affected a Turkish-flagged vessel operating in the area.
According to WPtech, on December 12 a fire broke out aboard the merchant ship Cenk T during a Russian attack in Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast.
The vessel was docked at the port of Chornomorsk at the time of the incident.
The ship’s operator reported that the cargo consisted of food products and confirmed that there were no casualties. Ukrainian authorities likewise said no injuries or deaths had been recorded.
Turkey’s response
Turkey responded soon after, warning that the incident posed a threat to maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. Officials called for an end to actions that endanger civilian shipping.
As WPtech reported, the reaction reflected more than routine diplomatic language. The outlet noted that Turkish shipowners remain active participants in Black Sea trade routes, meaning that risks to navigation translate directly into economic and insurance considerations for Turkish operators.
WPtech also noted that official statements consistently emphasized the nature of the cargo. According to the outlet, there were no claims involving military equipment or strategic goods, only food.
Growing pattern
The situation escalated further the following day. Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian drone struck another Turkish vessel, VIVA, which was transporting sunflower oil bound for Egypt.
WPtech reported that the second incident reinforced concerns that threats are not limited to port infrastructure and may extend to vessels transiting the Black Sea.
WPtech assessed that, taken together, the incidents point to growing strain on commercial navigation in the region. The outlet added that when civilian cargo ships are affected, longstanding assurances about containment and precision become harder to maintain.
Sources: WPtech, Portal Stoczniowy
