In 2023, Ukrainian Railways (UZ) achieved a notable milestone by transporting 148.4 million tonnes of cargo, marking a significant increase in monthly volumes between March and December compared to the previous year. With an average monthly cargo volume exceeding 12 million tonnes, the positive trend was especially evident in November, where 14.1 million tonnes were transported. UZ attributes this impressive 23% growth to the successful restoration of Ukraine’s maritime export corridor in the Black Sea, a feat accomplished by the country’s military and special forces.
During the first five months of operating the newly restored corridor, UZ transported 8.8 million tonnes of cargo to Black Sea ports, demonstrating an 8.6% increase compared to the same period in 2022 when the ‘Grain Deal’ with Russia was still in effect. In December 2023 alone, the Ukrainian rail operator delivered 3.8 million tonnes of cargo to Black Sea ports. Overall, 22.3 million tonnes of cargo passed through seaports, while land border crossings handled 34.4 million tonnes in 2023. Additionally, domestic transportation surged by 11.4% to reach 84.8 million tonnes. Noteworthy increases of 29.6% in construction materials and 5.9% in grain, totaling 29.6 million tonnes and 30.6 million tonnes, respectively, contributed to UZ’s robust freight volumes.
Image source: https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2024/01/18/ukraine-records-rail-freight-growth-thanks-to-sea-corridor-restoration/