Exports through Ukrainian sea corridor reach 1.5 mln tonnes - Kiev

MOSCOW. Nov 2 (Interfax) - The temporary sea corridor proclaimed by Ukraine unilaterally is now used for both exports and imports, with insurance rates dropping and sea exports up to 1.5 million tonnes, Ukrainian media reported, citing Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmitry Pletenchuk as saying on the Freedom television channel.

"The number of vessels will continue increasing. The boldest are already using the corridor despite the rather high insurance rates at about 5% of the ship's cargo value," he said.

Over 70 ships have called at Ukrainian ports through the sea corridor, "I think it's already closer to 80," and about 60 have left the ports.

"This has contributed to a substantial reduction in insurance rates. Besides, the channel is now used for both exports and imports, which is also important," he said.

The grain exports by sea are approaching 1.6 million tonnes, Pletenchuk said.