Photo: Unity N, a cargo carrying over 71,000 tonnes of Ukrainian corn, is moored after loading in the Romanian Black Sea port of Constanta, Romania, April 28, 2022. Picture taken April 28, 2022. Inquam Photos/Daniel Stoenciu via REUTERS

In the Romanian Black Sea port of Constanta yesterday, April 28, the ship Unity N completed the loading of 71 thousand tons of Ukrainian corn for the first time since the start of the war. Reuters reported this

Since Ukrainian seaports have been blocked since the start of the war, Ukraine is forced to send cargo by train across its western border or through its small river ports on the Danube to Romania.

This is the first Panamax-class vessel with Ukrainian corn to leave the port. To support the export of Ukrainian grain means to prevent a colossal wave of world hunger provoked by the blocking of Ukrainian ports

Viorel Panait, the Comvex President

Earlier this week, the operator completed loading about 35,000 tons of Ukrainian iron ore, Viorel Panait said, and the second ship is expected to be loaded around May 15.

Currently, about 80 thousand tons of Ukrainian grain have been sent to Constanta. Another 80,000 tons have been approved and are on their way, the port manager of Constanta said on Tuesday.

However, according to Panait, more work is needed on the port's connecting infrastructure.

“Infrastructure near the port is a problem for all economic activity in Romania… Slow access leads to additional costs in these industries,” he said.

Viorel Panait welcomed the plans of the Romanian government to restore several railway lines connecting ports with the Ukrainian borders.