Ports accounted for the largest share of Ukrainian export logistics. The beginning of a full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation in 2022 made it impossible to transport goods by sea due to security threats. In addition, shelling destroyed part of the port infrastructure. Agreements brokered by Turkey allowed exports to partially resume, establishing a so-called “grain corridor” for Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea. However, there is not even talk of a full recovery of exports.
Even if it is possible to settle security issues, the restoration of maritime infrastructure will cost Ukraine billions of hryvnias. During the last two years, nothing was invested in the development of the port infrastructure.
“Only in the second half of 2023 and in 2024, we began full-fledged activities of reconstruction, repair of piers, restoration of infrastructure access roads. I believe that this is one of the main tasks facing us precisely in the infrastructure direction. But for that , in order to completely rebuild the entire port infrastructure and reach the pre-war level, we need about 9.5 billion hryvnias and 2 years of time.” – noted Yuriy Lytvyn, head of the Seaports Administration of Ukraine during the Agro Ukraine Summit 2024 conference.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to develop alternative ways to sell goods abroad. In particular, the railway infrastructure is developing.
During May volumes of exports of Ukrainian goods by rail doubled compared to the same month last year. Exports also increased compared to April. In total, 7.55 million tons of grain, metals and other goods were transported by rail last month. This is 0.52 million tons or 7.4% more than in April.
