 |
| Pivdennyi Port |
Transshipment Volume Drops Due to War Impact and Lower Industrial Output
Ukrainian seaports handled 23 million tons of cargo in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA). This marks a 4.8 million-ton decline compared to the same period in 2024, when ports managed 27.8 million tons.
Despite constant threats from Russian military strikes, Ukraine’s ports continue to operate. This resilience is credited to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Navy, and the dedicated workers in the maritime logistics sector. Ukrainian ports remain vital for sustaining both exports and imports, ensuring economic stability during wartime.
Greater Odesa Ports Lead Cargo Turnover
The ports of Greater Odesa remain the country’s top logistics hub. Together, Pivdennyi, Chornomorsk, and Odesa ports managed 20.7 million tons—over 90% of Ukraine’s total maritime cargo turnover.
- Pivdennyi Port: 10.6 million tons
- Chornomorsk Port: 6.6 million tons
- Odesa Port: 3.5 million tons
Meanwhile, more than 2.3 million tons passed through the Danube region ports: Izmail, Reni, and Ust-Dunaisk.
Steel and Agriculture Sectors Drive Decline
According to the USPA, a decrease in sown crop areas and reduced output from export-driven industries—especially the steel industry—contributed to the cargo volume drop. Prior to the full-scale war, Ukraine exported up to 80% of its steel production. The ongoing conflict has disrupted operations, impacting transshipment figures.
Global Trends Add to the Pressure
Global economic uncertainty, unstable commodity markets, and broken logistics chains have further contributed to reduced cargo volumes. In 2024, Ukraine’s seaports handled 18.5 million tons of ore cargo, helping push the year's total turnover to a record-breaking 97.2 million tons. That figure was up from 62 million tons in 2023, driven by strong export performance.
Ukraine’s port sector, however, remains a cornerstone of the nation's logistics infrastructure. Even in the face of war, it plays a crucial role in global commodity flow and economic endurance.
Tags
ISSUE
