Ukraine's maritime sector has experienced a substantial shift due to the Russian invasion, with its primary seaports facing disruptions. The nation has had to rely on smaller ports, impacting global shipping and food security.
Before the conflict, Ukraine's Black Sea ports, including Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi, were vital for exporting grain, metals, and industrial products. The UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport highlights these ports' role in handling around 50 million tons of grain exports in 2021.
Containerized traffic was also crucial in Ukraine's trade, with a strong presence in bulk shipping. Connections with European and Mediterranean ports made Ukraine competitive in the region. However, the 2014 political tensions with Russia had already affected trade volumes.
The 2022 invasion severely impacted maritime trade and port operations, with key ports blockaded or damaged, leading to a significant drop in port calls. Alternative routes via Danube River ports like Reni and Izmail have not fully compensated for the loss. Regional ports in Romania and Bulgaria have seen increased traffic, as noted by Allianz's Commercial Shipping Review.
A slight improvement in 2023 and 2024 occurred, with reroutes through the Cape of Good Hope and a surge in demand for ships due to longer transit times, as per a BIMCO report. Nevertheless, Ukrainian container trade remains heavily restricted, with recovery dependent on the conflict's resolution and the reopening of Black Sea ports.
Connectivity at key Ukrainian ports has drastically declined due to the conflict. Chornomorsk and Odesa have experienced significant drops in port connectivity, with no data available for Yuzhny in 2024, indicating possible negligible levels of operation or lack of reporting.
Source: Container News