Growth of exports from the ports of Greater Odesa: a new chapter in Ukrainian infrastructure

Ukraine has impressed the world with its strong export activity, reaching pre-war volumes of cargo exported through ports, including the Port of Greater Odesa. Over the course of seven months, 33.8 million tons of goods were exported through the Ukrainian sea corridor, which exceeds the export volumes for the entire previous year, including the period of the Grain Initiative, which involved the UN, Russia, and Turkey.

This was stated by Vice Prime Minister for Recovery, Minister of Community Development, Territorial Development and Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov. He emphasized that the opening of the Ukrainian Corridor in August 2023 took place after Russia's withdrawal from the Grain Initiative and the start of systematic attacks on port infrastructure and agricultural facilities.

"Currently, 1140 vessels have been sent through the Ukrainian corridor, delivering 33.8 million tons of cargo to 40 countries. Of these, 23.1 million tons are products of Ukrainian farmers," Kubrakov emphasized.

According to him, 150 ships are currently expected to arrive at the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi, which are expected to export almost 5 million tons of goods.

"We can say that we have almost reached the pre-war export volumes from the ports of Greater Odesa and have implemented a much more efficient logistics route without the participation of the aggressor state, while continuing to ensure the world's food security. This is another joint victory for Ukraine, the Armed Forces and the entire maritime infrastructure industry," the Minister summarized.

Over the six months of the temporary sea corridor's operation, Ukraine has exported more than 22 million tons of goods. More than 700 vessels used it during this period.

"Modernization of both ports and related infrastructure, including the road and railroad network, with proper security, will increase the volume by at least a quarter," Kubrakov said.

According to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, in January, Ukraine was able to reach pre-war export volumes with the help of a temporary sea corridor and approached the levels of exports before the full-scale invasion.

In March, after receiving the necessary permits from the Ukrainian Navy, the Ukrainian sea corridor began operating around the clock.