Ukrzaliznytsia is preparing a “plan B” due to the suspension of ship calls to ports

JSC Ukrzaliznytsia is preparing a “plan B” for cargo transportation due to the suspension of ships’ calls to the ports of Great Odesa.

Currently, the company is waiting for information from shippers regarding possible export directions, reports RAIL.insider.

Deputy Director of the Department of Transportation Technology and Commercial Work of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia Valeriy Tkachev noted that there are two alternatives for the ports of Greater Odessa: Danube ports and western border crossings. First of all, business is considering the latter option.

Currently, less than 10% of agricultural cargo is transferred through western railway border crossings. But to increase the throughput capacity of the crossings, Ukrzaliznytsia is waiting for information from shippers regarding the directions that interest them. Therefore, the company will develop them first of all.

Tkachev clarified that the company has approximately 3,850 trolleys for rearranging wagons so that they can travel along the 1,435 mm gauge. However, it is now necessary to check the condition of these carts – probably some of them need repair. However, the company needs to understand how many are needed.

Also, to improve the throughput capacity of border crossings, additional personnel must be attracted, so UZ asks to provide information on priority directions for the export of agricultural products.

In turn, market participants called on UZ to hold negotiations with carriers of neighboring countries on a possible revision of tariffs for cargo transportation.

Earlier, USM reported that the withdrawal of Maersk and CMA CGM from Ukrainian ports may affect not only their services.