Page 86 - UKRRptFeb24

Yuzhnyi at the end of January. In addition, another 10 ships were on their way to leave the ports.
Near the Sulinsky Canal, a queue of bulkers, which are supposed to enter the Danube ports, has formed. There are more than 30 ships in Izmail, Ust-Dunaisk, and Kilia that are transporting agricultural and metal products.
Most of them will go for transshipment to European ports on the Danube. The Economist writes that restoring operations at the Black Sea's deep-water ports adds billions of dollars in export profits. Intensive exports will help strengthen the exchange rate and even affect GDP growth. According to Oleksiy Sobolev, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, the unblocking of sea routes should add at least $3.3B to export figures, or 1.2% of Ukraine’s GDP to the economy.
With 6.3 million tons of goods exported in December, the Odessa region’s three ports—Odessa itself, Chornomorsk and Pivdenny—are now almost back to pre-war volumes.
Ukraine has significantly increased its exports by sea, but freight has become more expensive. Vessels with a combined deadweight of 8.8 million tons entered Ukrainian seaports in December 2023, 92% more than in November.
Because of the temporary sea corridor’s operation, the proportion of transshipment volumes in the deepwater ports and the Danube is becoming increasingly similar to traditional values.
In November, out of 4.5 million tons of deadweight, 1.7 million tons fell on the Danube ports and 2.8 million tons on the Black Sea ports. Then, in December, the corresponding indicators were 1.3 million tons and 7.5 million tons.
However, in December, the Black Sea freight market was characterized by a restrained activity level. Shipments from Ukrainian ports took place regularly, which allowed shipowners to raise rates slightly at the end of the period. Grain continued to be the main cargo during this period. Throughout December, relatively high activity was observed in the direction of the ports of Odesa.
More than 500 ships have already passed through the Ukrainian maritime corridor. US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink reported that 515 ships have passed safely through the Black Sea Humanitarian Corridor, delivering 16.5 million tons of grain and other cargo to world markets.
Odesa ports handled 50mn tonnes of cargo in 2023 – authorities The ports of Big Odesa handled 50mn tonnes of cargo in 2023, which is 15% more than in 2022, Head of Odesa Regional Military.
Danube ports processed a record 29 million tons of cargo, increasing this figure by 500% compared to the last pre-war year. According to 2023’s results, the Ukrainian ports of the Danube cluster handled a record 29 million tons of cargo, which is 100% more compared to the previous year and 500% more than 2021, reported the Ukrainian Sea Ports Administration.
● Cars
Ukraine will get a new corridor to Romanian ports. Romania is actively
86 UKRAINE Country Report February 2024 www.intellinews.com