Sea Grain Logistics: New Bulk Loading Rules and Transit Cost Risks

Sea logistics remains a key component of Ukrainian grain exports, and any changes in regulations concerning bulk carrier operations impact shipment planning, vessel selection, and documentation procedures.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved amendments to the Code of Safe Practice for Cargoes (SPC) for bulk grain shipments. For traders, elevators, port operators, and shipowners, this means increased attention to vessel technical readiness even before nomination for loading.

What has changed in grain loading regulations

The IMO amendments introduce a new type of bulk grain loading, which was not previously specified in the international code. It involves a specially adapted cargo hold, partially filled around the hatch area, without a heel in the aft sections of the hold.

This format may be of interest for certain grain handling schemes, but it requires more precise calculations. For each cargo hold, stability considerations must account for shifts in grain and corresponding volume curves.

For the market, the primary concern is not the speed of loading but the vessel’s eligibility for safe operation under the new scheme. If documentation or calculations are not prepared accordingly, it may complicate voyage approval.

Who is affected by the new requirements

The amendments came into effect on January 1, 2026. They apply to new ships laid down on or after this date.

For existing vessels planning to adopt the new loading method, a separate appendix to the vessel’s current stability information for grain loading may be required. This document is submitted for review and approval to the Flag State, if deemed necessary for the specific vessel.

The appendix should include updated stability curves, including the conditional heel moments and volume curves related to grain shifts. These are provided both graphically and in tabular form, along with loading conditions for departure and arrival.

What exporters and port operators should pay attention to

For Ukrainian grain sellers, the practical takeaway is straightforward: before booking a vessel, it is necessary to verify not only the freight rate but also the vessel’s readiness to operate under the required loading scheme.

• Vessel documentation. It is advisable to clarify in advance whether the vessel has approved stability information for the specific loading method.
• Software tools. The vessel’s loading software must be updated and approved considering the new stability curves and loading scheme.
• Port planning. If additional approval of the scheme is needed, this could affect the time buffer between vessel arrival, cargo accumulation, and the start of loading operations.
• Contract terms. Grain supply agreements should consider potential delays due to technical approval procedures for the vessel.

Tariff environment for Black Sea routes

An additional factor for maritime logistics remains the transit costs along the Black Sea-Mediterranean route. Industry reports also mention a 15% increase in transit fees through the Bosporus and Dardanelles from July 1.

For exporters, this means a more careful calculation of total logistics costs: freight, port charges, possible route fees, and time-related risks. Even if the base grain price is attractive, margins may be affected by transportation expenses.

Key conclusions for AgroPost participants

• Grain sellers should coordinate with buyers and logistics partners in advance regarding vessel requirements.
• Large buyers need to verify whether additional freight and loading scheme approval costs are included in the price.
• Elevators and port operators should maintain a clear schedule for cargo accumulation to avoid delays caused by procedural formalities.
• Logistics companies should update vessel nomination checklists for grain cargoes.

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Implications for the market. The new IMO requirements do not eliminate Ukraine’s need to export grain by sea but emphasize the importance of vessel technical readiness and planning accuracy. For AgroPost participants, this signals the need to consider logistics more carefully during negotiations: the correct freight rate should reflect not only the grain price but also the actual delivery conditions to the buyer.