The Ukrainian Seaports Authority (USPA) has announced the preparation of the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi for resumption of operation following the signing of the agreement on the export of grain and related food products from these seaports on 22 July, the CTS portal reports.
"We are informing you that the entry of ships into the specified seaports and their exit will be performed through the formation of a caravan, which will be accompanied by a leading ship," the USPA said in a statement.
To draw up the plans for the formation of the caravans, the USPA is requesting the submission of applications for the inclusion of vessels by e-mail.
As reported, the agreement on unblocking the export of Ukrainian grain that was signed in Istanbul on Friday will be valid for 120 days and it will not require further demining of seaports or nearby waters by Ukraine. The United Nations expects the agreement to be extended after 120 days if the fighting in Ukraine has not ended by then. Following the signing of the agreement, inspection teams and a joint coordination center (JCC) will be immediately created. They will include representatives of the United Nations and probably military personnel from Ukraine, Turkey, and Russia.
Ukrainian ports need about 10 days to prepare for grain export, so it will take several weeks for ships to enter and leave the ports. However, the United Nations expects a "very fast pace of implementation" of the agreements.
