Black Sea Emerges as World’s Most Dangerous Shipping Route Amid Rising Attacks

Despite growing global concerns over the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war, the Black Sea has emerged as the most dangerous maritime route for commercial shipping, with at least 40 sailors killed in attacks there this year. By comparison, 24 confirmed sailor deaths have been reported in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East region.

NTTV reported the development on Thursday, citing The Wall Street Journal.

According to data from maritime security firm Ambrey and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), more than 570 ships have come under attack in the Black Sea this year. Nearly 387 vessels were targeted between July and September alone, more than five times the number recorded in the previous three months.

Ambrey's figures show that the Black Sea experienced an average of more than four attacks a day during the third quarter. Meanwhile, the IMO recorded 120 attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East during the same period.

However, the Financial Times reported that attack data from both regions remained incomplete, making it difficult to establish the exact number of incidents.

Both sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict are increasingly targeting commercial vessels in the Black Sea. According to The Wall Street Journal, Russian forces have attacked ships carrying Ukrainian food exports, while Ukraine has launched drone strikes against Russian vessels on the opposite side of the sea.

Ambrey estimates that Russia was responsible for nearly 90 per cent of attacks recorded over the past 45 days.

The attacks have also moved closer to the territorial waters of NATO member countries. On October 15, the chemical tanker Wine Trader was repeatedly targeted by drone attacks off the Romanian coast, leaving seven crew members missing.

On October 23, the cargo ship Khoriv sank off the Romanian coast, killing one sailor and leaving three others missing.

Ambrey said attacks were increasingly targeting open waters and the exclusive economic zones of NATO member states, putting additional pressure on the military alliance. The Wall Street Journal described the situation as a new test for NATO.

As the Iran war enters its eighth month, the Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of discussions over energy supplies and maritime trade. However, the Black Sea is also a vital route for Ukrainian wheat and other food exports.

Maritime organisations have warned that escalating violence in the region could threaten sailors' lives, disrupt international trade and undermine global food supplies.

Sailors are bearing the greatest burden of these growing risks. They have very little influence over decisions about which vessels they are assigned to or which routes they must navigate.

With no clear signs of de-escalation, the Black Sea is increasingly becoming one of the world's most dangerous maritime routes for sailors, shipowners and insurance companies.