Black Sea Grain Initiative extension

Statement on Black Sea Grain Initiative extension from 18 March 2023

IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said: 

"I fully welcome the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was signed in Istanbul on 22 July 2022.

The Initiative allows for the facilitation of safe navigation for the exports of grain and related foodstuffs and fertilizers, including ammonia, from designated Ukrainian seaports.

During the first two terms of the initiative, some 25 million metric tonnes of grain and foodstuffs have been moved to 45 countries, helping to bring down global food prices.

As requested by the IMO Council, I will continue to actively pursue all avenues to develop, negotiate and facilitate the safe departure of vessels not covered by the Black Sea Grain initiative."