Railway

Ukrzaliznytsia considers it realistic to increase the throughput capacity of the grain corridor through Moldova to 4.5 million tons per year and sees opportunities for further growth.

The State Enterprise “Moldovan Railways” currently does not approve the transfer of grain cargo through this border crossing, so Ukrzaliznytsia is redirecting them to other junctions.

In the context of Russian attacks on civilian shipping and seaports, the main export channels remain the railway and the Danube.

In August, the number of wagons with grain cargo transported by rail through the western border crossings increased.

In the first 25 days of August, Ukraine exported 461 thousand tons of grain cargo by rail — 67% less than in July.

In the first 20 days of August, Moldovan Railways transported 15.7 thousand tons of agricultural cargo in transit.

Ukrainian grain is transported in Ukrainian wagons, so its transit does not limit Moldovan farmers’ access to the wagon fleet.

After increasing risks for sea exports, Ukraine is again actively looking for alternative routes for cargo. One of these directions was railway transit through Moldova, where the local railway agreed to a 50% discount on the transportation of Ukrainian goods until the end of 2026.

In the text, USM, together with TEUS owner and director Dmytro Kazanin, explains why this decision is important for exports and imports and how it can change logistics through Reni, Izmail, Giurgiulesti and Romanian ports.

Over the 11 days of August, Ukraine exported 41.5 thousand tons of oil by rail, of which 89% were transported through western border crossings.

Reducing tariffs for cargo transit through Moldova by 50% can restore competitiveness to the railway route and increase cargo flow towards the port of Reni.