Transport minister Georgi Peev says ship traffic at the ports of Varna and Burgas did not fall during the month of fighting. The figures show a slight rise.

Peev spoke to reporters in the village of Kaloyanovo, in Plovdiv region. He said the effects of the war, and of strikes close to Bulgaria's territory, will show in future.

The minister said the government is working on export conditions for grain producers. It is looking at a railway crossing, and other steps to give the best conditions are still being drawn up.

The ship Chelsea 3 is at the port of Burgas, where Bulgarian agencies are investigating the case. Debris has already been found and will be analysed. Peev said the ministry was obliged to organise and coordinate the operation.

The minister said that if the agencies lack the technical means, they will ask partner organisations with experience in such investigations for help.