UGA is betting on the development of Danube ports
12.07.2023 - 08:30
Ukraine needs an alternative agricultural export route that will not depend on the Grain Agreement.
The prospects of the new grain season for Ukraine, as well as the development of agricultural exports, were discussed during the FAO conference, reports the Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA).
Last season, Ukraine exported 58 million tons of grain. Already this season, exports can amount to only 44.8 million tons. UGA believes that this is due to both the smaller harvest this year and the increase in the cost of logistics, which is actually causing losses to Ukrainian producers.
Thus, blocking the work of the Grain Agreement cost Ukrainian farmers more than $1 billion in payments for simple shipping.
UGA President Mykola Gorbachev emphasized the importance of marine exports from Ukraine. In particular, on the need to operate the “grain corridor” even without the participation of Russia.
“The development of the Danube export route by organizing an anchorage in Romanian territorial waters for the transshipment of grain onto large-tonnage ships is also important. The grain will be transported by barges from the Danube ports. This will reduce the cost of logistics and contribute to the development of an efficient route independent of the “grain corridor”. The organization of raid transshipment, ensuring the 24-hour operation of the Sulyn canal in Romania and the development of the Ukrainian Bystre estuary will ensure the volume of exports through the Danube route at the level of 30-35 million tons of grain annually,” Mykola Gorbachev believes.
As previously reported by USM, Ukraine wants to increase the throughput capacity of the Danube ports to 30 million tons.
