On May 23, a major missile strike hit the Port of Odessa—one of the largest ports in the Black Sea region—causing significant damage to vessels, containers, and port infrastructure. According to the Odessa Daily, two ballistic missiles launched by Russian forces struck the HHLA Container Terminal Odessa (CTO), the largest container terminal in Ukraine operated by German logistics company HHLA.
The attack tragically resulted in the deaths of three port employees and left at least five others injured. A large fire broke out, reportedly triggered by a strike on a container vessel suspected of carrying military supplies.
In a statement issued by HHLA CEO Angela Titzrath, she expressed deep sorrow:
“This weekend marks the first time since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine that our colleagues in Odessa have lost their lives. We are devastated. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and all those affected. Odessa remains a vital part of HHLA’s international network, and we stand in solidarity with our Ukrainian colleagues.”
According to Kuehne + Nagel, one of the world’s largest freight forwarders, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba confirmed the following damages:
Over 400 port infrastructure sites were damaged or destroyed
More than 30 ships were affected
106 civilians were injured
Civilian facilities including control centers, vehicles, and machinery were also damaged
This is not the first such incident. Just two months prior, the MSC Levante F—an MSC container vessel with a capacity of 1,118 TEU—was also struck by a missile while docked at the same port. That attack injured two port workers and further highlighted the ongoing dangers in the region.
The Port of Odessa had only recently resumed container operations after a long suspension due to Russian attacks on civilian shipping. This latest assault underscores the fragile security situation and the persistent risks for shipping lines and logistics providers operating in or near Ukrainian waters.
As peace talks show tentative progress, this event serves as a sobering reminder that stability remains elusive in the Black Sea. Carriers and forwarders must continue to weigh these risks carefully before committing to operations in this region.
