Istanbul, 24 October 2022 – The Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) reports that there are currently 113 vessels registered for inspection while a further 60 vessels are waiting to join the Black Sea Grain Initiative in the Turkish territorial waters.

The total cargo of the 97 loaded vessels is 2,125,533 metric tonnes, while the potential cargo of the inbound vessels is approximately 1.9 million tonnes. This is much-needed grain and food products that will help further address global food insecurity.

As of today, the JCC has enabled the movement of over 8.5 million metric tonnes of foodstuffs under the Initiative.

The JCC is discussing ways to address the backlog noting that the next harvest is approaching and silos in the Ukrainian ports covered under the Initiative will be soon full again.

The delegations to the JCC have provided their views on the issue to the United Nations in its capacity as JCC Secretariat.

The JCC has increased over the last few days its inspection teams to five. The JCC delegations are addressing in their plenary meetings ways to improve its operational procedures and efficiencies, including easier submission of paperwork, smoother clearances of vessels and approval processes.

The JCC is concerned that the delays may cause disruption in the supply chain and port operations. Over the last few days, the JCC has started registering again new vessels to join the Initiative.

The JCC regrets inconveniences caused to the shipping and trading industry. It reaffirms its commitment to enable the safe and timely navigation for exports under the Initiative.