Port of Chornomorsk seeks salvation from railway tariffs in private traction
18.06.2025 - 12:18
The introduction of private locomotive traction to the port of Chornomorsk may be a response to tariff inequality among Ukrainian ports.
During a meeting of the Committee on Transport Infrastructure Development at the Union of Ukrainian Railways, the idea of resuscitating a pilot project to attract private locomotive traction to Chornomorsk was discussed. This is reported by Rail.insider.
According to Pavlo Podolyan, Deputy Director for Port Economics, tariffs for rail transportation to Chornomorsk remain significantly higher than to other ports. The reason is the extended route, which increases the cost of cargo delivery by UAH 150 per ton.
“This reduces our competitiveness, inhibits investments, including within the framework of the future concession, and creates unequal conditions for the market,” Podolyan noted.
The expert also recalled that the tariff distance was determined at the level of structural divisions of Ukrzaliznytsia, and its cancellation depends on the relevant ministry. In his opinion, the situation only strengthens the arguments in favor of creating an independent regulator — the National Transport Commission (NTC).
“This is a vivid example of the need for reforms — it is unclear who is actually the regulator,” he emphasized.
Recall that tariff inequality arose after UZ closed the Pomichna–Kolosivka section due to Russian attacks on railway infrastructure in 2022 and sent cargo along a longer route — via Podilsk and Odessa-Zastava I. Although the section has already been restored, railway workers continue to use the extended route. UZ explains this by infrastructure restrictions and reduced throughput due to attacks on the energy sector.
Meanwhile, the issue of tariff distances is being discussed at the level of the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development. And business calls for compromises — in particular, the EBA suggested UZ review approaches to tariffing and focus on the shortest routes.
Read also. What’s wrong with criticism of the Chornomorsk port concession?
