Working Conditions Aboard the Panormitis

The bulk carrier 'Panormitis', laden with Ukrainian grain taken from occupied territories, navigated through the Dardanelles Strait on May 25. Initially, this shipment was rejected by an Israeli agribusiness trader. Following this, the vessel made an attempt to offload its cargo in Iskenderun, but similarly failed to find a buyer. Current forecasts indicate that 'Panormitis' is headed back to the Russian Federation, likely to attempt unloading the grain seized from Berdyansk in either the Caucasus region or at the port of Novorossiysk. As of May 26, the vessel was anchored at coordinates 40° 57' N 028° 52' E.

The bulk carrier 'Panormitis', loaded with barley and wheat unlawfully taken from occupied Ukrainian territories, has faced another setback as it was denied port entry once more. Both Israel and Türkiye have refused to allow the vessel to dock within a single week. The 'Panormitis' has been anchored near Iskenderun since May 13, after an Israeli importer opted not to unload its grain shipment in Haifa. Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, had previously expressed optimism that Turkey would align its actions with Israel's stance on the shipment. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prosecutor General's Office have made concerted efforts to persuade Ankara to reject the cargo and not permit the vessel's entry. Furthermore, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have criticized Israel for permitting the transit of stolen grain. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has dismissed the allegations, claiming that Kyiv has not provided adequate proof to substantiate its claims.

In a significant move reflecting ongoing diplomatic strains, Zenziper Grains and Feedstuffs Importers Ltd., an Israeli importer, has put a halt to a shipment of approximately 25,000 tons of wheat and barley aboard the vessel 'Panormitis'. The cargo, valued at around $7 million, raised alarms due to suspicions regarding its origin from occupied Ukrainian territories. The ship departed from Haifa on April 30, 2026, and has since been seeking a new buyer. By May 5, 'Panormitis' was observed idling off the coast of Haifa at coordinates 32° 45' N 034° 39' E, while it carried over 6,200 tons of wheat and nearly 19,000 tons of barley, all pending a docking and unloading procedure. The situation intensified following Ukraine's formal request on April 23 for Israel to seize the vessel, escalating the tension in relations after a previous ship with a comparable load was allowed to dock and unload without issue in Haifa. Ukrainian officials have long expressed concerns regarding grains sourced from occupied regions infiltrating international markets through complex logistics, involving mixed cargo, rerouted ships, and discreet transfers. As hesitation from buyers grows, the entire supply chain is impacted, leading traders to pose more inquiries, ports to enhance scrutiny, and deals to become increasingly elusive. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry praised the cancellation, viewing it as a testament to Kyiv's legal and diplomatic initiatives, signaling a resolute message to all maritime players—ship operators, insurers, and governments alike—against the procurement of unlawfully sourced Ukrainian grain.