Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company (UDP), the country's largest state-owned shipping company, has announced a reduction in the length of the working day for its employees and staff optimization in connection with the deterioration of the situation on the river transportation market. The working day was reduced to six hours, and the company began the process of reducing employees to reduce costs.

General Director of UDP Dmytro Moskalenko explained that the decision was caused by the aggravation of the crisis in the river transport market on the Danube. According to him, due to the deterioration of economic conditions, the company is forced to take such steps in order to remain competitive and maintain its position in the market.

Among the main reasons for the crisis, Moskalenko singled out the lack of state support for the export route across the Danube. He emphasized that Danube ports can compete with Odesa ports in the transportation of Ukrainian agricultural products, but for this, discounts on railway transportation to Izmail are necessary. Without such support, the efficiency of the Danube route is significantly reduced.

In addition, climatic conditions significantly complicated the operation of steamships. Due to the hot summer, there were problems with shallow water on the Middle Danube, which makes it difficult for barge caravans to move. As a result, some customers decided to suspend shipping in August to avoid the risks associated with navigating difficult conditions.

Another problem is the reduction of the allowable draft of barges due to the low water level, which limits the possibilities of cargo transportation. At the same time, cargo owners are not ready to agree to an increase in freight rates, which worsens the economic situation for shipping.

Moskalenko also noted that the heat had a negative impact on the productivity of farmers, which led to a decrease in the volume of agricultural products exported through the Danube. This further complicates the situation in the transportation market, creating additional pressure on the company.

The UDP is forced to adapt to new realities, but the reduction of working hours and staff are only temporary measures. The company hopes that the economic situation will improve in the future, and these measures will stabilize the activity of shipping.