The second of two Angelicoussis Group-controlled capesize bulk carriers caught up in the conflict in Ukraine has managed to safely sail out of the war zone. The 180,000-dwt Maran Excellence (built 2016), which usually ships iron ore, is now heading for Spain with a cargo of barley, wheat, and corn, loaded at the port of Yuzhny where it had been trapped since the outbreak of hostilities in February. The bulk carrier follows the 179,900-dwt Maran Astronomer (built 2008) which earlier escaped the same port with a cargo of corn. The two ships were among the most valuable tonnage that were trapped in the country. The Maran Excellence is valued at $38.75m by the VesselsValue.

The ships have managed to get out on the humanitarian grain corridor set up through the UN to allow food shipments from the ports of Chornomorsk, Yuzhny and Odesa. The agreement between Russia and Ukraine on Black Sea grain shipments is set to end on 22 November and is currently being renegotiated.

As the war turns against President Vladimir Putin there is speculation that the agreement might not be extended, leaving bulk carriers which have not managed to get out during the current window trapped. Putin earlier said Russia has been “screwed over” by the deal because most of Ukraine’s exports were destined for developed countries and not relieving hunger in the third world.

UN data shows that so far there have been 350 voyages carrying 7.8 MMT of grains and other foodstuffs from the three Ukraine ports and through the humanitarian corridor. However, only four shipments have been part of the World Food Program’s efforts to alleviate famine in the third world. The UN is more optimistic and has said it is likely that the agreement will be extended. There is also talk a new agreement could be widened to include the port of Mykolaiv where several bulkers and tankers remain trapped.

There is one more capesize bulk carrier remaining at the port of Yuzhny the Kobe Shipping-controlled, 178,000-dwt Ocean Courtesy (built 2008). There also appears to have been little progress on freeing the 9,403-teu container ship Joseph Schulte (built 2014). It is the most valuable ship caught up in the conflict and, as it is not a bulk carrier, it has been unable to take advantage of the agreement on grain exports. The boxship has been trapped along with officers and crew in Odesa for eight months.