Financial Times: The Black Sea has become the world's most dangerous maritime route

This year, more sailors have died in the Black Sea than in any other maritime area, surpassing the death toll in the Persian Gulf, which has attracted more worldwide attention, writes the Financial Times.

According to Ambrey and the International Maritime Organization, more than 570 vessels have been hit, and at least 40 sailors have died, compared with 24 confirmed deaths in the Strait of Hormuz.

The attacks included drones, missiles, and explosive-laden vessels. Between July and September, approximately 387 vessels were hit, more than five times as many as in the previous quarter. Ambrey estimates that Russia was responsible for around 90% of the attacks on vessels over the past 45 days.

The escalation intensified this summer, following the expansion of Ukraine’s drone campaign against Russian vessels and the intensification of Moscow’s strikes on Ukrainian ports. In October, two vessels were hit near Romania’s coast, while a subsequent attack on an oil tanker left one person dead and three sailors missing.

The risks have led to higher insurance premiums, which can reach 15% of the vessel’s value, and reduced traffic through Ukrainian ports. The effects are already being felt in grain and oil exports, while shipowners warn that crew shortages and rising costs could affect global supplies.