Russia turns to Arctic port for pig iron exports as Ukrainian strikes drive up shipping costs - FT
Russia is preparing to export pig iron through the Arctic port of Murmansk for the first time in 30 years, seeking to avoid attacks on shipping in the Black Sea. The alternative route to the Mediterranean adds roughly 10 days to delivery times and nearly doubles freight costs, the Financial Times reported.
A trial shipment of 65,000 metric tons of pig iron is being assembled in Murmansk, with more than 180 railcars used to transport the cargo to the port. Turkey is considered the likely destination, as the European Union banned imports of Russian pig iron beginning January 1, 2026.
Shipping from Murmansk to Turkey takes about 10 days longer than from Russia's Black Sea ports. Freight costs are almost twice as high, according to Austin Barnes, an analyst at commodity price reporting agency Argus. Some Russian producers face additional transportation costs of around $100 per metric ton.
Russia previously shipped pig iron through the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, where the last such shipment departed on July 31, according to the FT.
The shift comes amid mounting risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Maritime security company Ambrey has recorded nearly 700 attacks on vessels in the region since the beginning of 2026, involving both Russian and Ukrainian strikes.
Murmansk, traditionally used primarily for Russian oil exports, is now also handling metals and grain as exporters seek alternatives to increasingly risky Black Sea routes.