In accordance with the agreement between Ukraine and Russia, brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, ships destined to and from Black Sea ports in the Ukraine are subject to inspection during passage through the Bosporus. 

It is now apparent that Russia is deliberately delaying and prolonging inspections.  This has resulted in 69 empty vessels and 25 loaded bulk carriers awaiting inspection during the first week of January 2023, with delays extending to weeks.  This naturally increases the cost of transport and reduces the volume of exports.  Shipments amounted to 7 million tons in October but volume has dropped progressively through 6 million in November to 4 million in December attributed to the delaying tactics applied by Russia.