Kashuba: restoration of port infrastructure is a strategic priority for Ukraine

The Transport Forum, which took place in Odesa, discussed concession projects, digitalization and restoration of Ukraine’s port infrastructure.

This was reported by the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.

During the forum, the Plan for the Restoration of Ukraine’s Maritime Industry, developed in cooperation with the Estonian Ministry of Climate, was presented. The plan provides for investments of 550 million euros in shipbuilding, modernization of the fleet, port equipment, logistics solutions and digital integration with the EU.

According to Deputy Minister for Development Andriy Kashuba, the restoration of port infrastructure is not just a technical task, but a strategic priority for Ukraine.

“We must create a modern, safe and competitive logistics system capable of integrating into the European space and strengthening the world’s food security. This process must be based on the best global practices and technologies so that Ukrainian seaports provide world-class services. And now the digitalization of port processes is underway, amendments to legislation are being developed and key infrastructure projects are being implemented,” the Deputy Minister emphasized.

He paid special attention to initiatives in the field of public-private partnership. In particular, this concerns the preparation of new concession projects in the port of Chornomorsk, including the concession of a container terminal, the first terminal and a ferry complex.

In turn, the head of the State Enterprise “USPA” Oleksandr Semyrha, in his speech, emphasized key steps in the field of digitalization of port infrastructure, in particular the implemented IT solutions, as well as plans for 2025–2026.

“DocPort is not just the implementation of a digital solution. We are changing the logic of interaction in the port: instead of “manual”, fragmented procedures, there is a single transparent system. In the ports where DocPort has already been implemented — Reni, Izmail, Odesa and Chornomorsk — electronic passes have reduced the time for vehicle registration from 24 hours to one minute, and the launch of transport — from 10–15 minutes to one,” said the head of the USPA.

The forum discussed new logistics routes, ways to return the cargo base to Ukrainian ports, real cases of infrastructure solutions that are being implemented despite the war.

In particular, the focus of the discussions was on the challenges facing the shipping industry, including support from private business, fleet development plans, the functioning of the freight market in conditions of instability, as well as ways of legal and insurance protection in conditions of high risks.

We remind you that, according to preliminary estimates, the cost of restoring Ukraine’s port infrastructure is at least 1 billion euros.