War in Ukraine. The first shipment of Ukrainian grain left the port of Odessa

The first shipment of Ukrainian grain left the port of Odessa at 8:17 a.m. French time on Monday, in accordance with the terms of the international agreement with Russia signed in Istanbul, the Turkish Ministry of Defense announced.

“The Razoni ship left the port of Odessa bound for the port of Tripoli in Lebanon. He is expected on August 2 in Istanbul. It will continue on its way to its destination following the inspections that will be carried out in Istanbul,” the ministry added.

Other convoys will follow this first departure, respecting “the (maritime) corridor and the agreed formalities”.

Signed on July 22 in Istanbul, the deal that allows Ukrainian exports to resume aims to ease a global food crisis that has seen prices soar in some of the world’s poorest countries.

According to the Marine Traffic site, which tracks the movements of boats, the Razoni was still at the dock on Monday morning in the port of Odessa.

30,000 tons

Built in 1996 and 186 m long by 25 wide, the Razoni has a hold capacity of 30,000 tonnes.

The Joint Coordination Center (JCC), responsible for controlling Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea, was inaugurated in Istanbul on Wednesday in accordance with the agreement. It brings together representatives of the two belligerents, as well as Turkey and the United Nations.

The CCC must register and monitor the merchant ships that will participate in the convoys, ensure their follow-up via the internet and by satellite, have the ships inspected at the time of loading in Ukrainian ports and upon their arrival in Turkish ports.