Story perspectives

Russia shifts grain exports to Baltic and Arctic ports

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 11:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Russia is converting Baltic and Arctic terminals to ship grain after Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted Black Sea routes.
Russian Railways prioritized grain shipments to those subsidized Baltic and Arctic ports.
Ultramar terminal at Ust-Luga began handling grain in August, despite its 37-million-ton fertilizer capacity.
Modul terminal in St Petersburg can load 70,000 tons of grain per month.
Murmansk port will start grain exports in October after converting its terminals.

History

Historical Context

The 2001 inauguration of Ust-Luga, a $2.1 billion deep-water port built to bypass the newly independent Baltic states, gave Russia an alternative export hub. Its capacity grew, handling 98.7 million tonnes in 2018, and the model spurred development of other Baltic and Arctic terminals that now sustain exports despite Black Sea shocks.

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Story summary

Russia is converting Baltic and Arctic terminals to ship grain after Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted Black Sea routes.
Russian Railways prioritized grain shipments to those subsidized Baltic and Arctic ports.
Ultramar terminal at Ust-Luga began handling grain in August, despite its 37-million-ton fertilizer capacity.
Modul terminal in St Petersburg can load 70,000 tons of grain per month.
Murmansk port will start grain exports in October after converting its terminals.

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