UZ plans to operate two sea ferries

JSC Ukrzaliznytsia intends to launch a ferry connection with the port of Poti in Georgia.

The company plans to join the transportation of goods along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM), in particular, to launch a connection with the port of Poti. This was reported by the company’s director of commercial work and logistics, Timofey Murakhovsky, writes Rail.insider.

In order to join the TMTM, one of the steps in implementing the project should be the registration of a new legal entity UZ Cargo East in Kazakhstan.

Separately, UZ noted that they plan to create a sea transportation operator and operate the ferries “Heroes of Plevna” and “Heroes of Shipka”, which UZ previously planned to transfer to the State Property Fund of Ukraine as non-core assets.

“We will become an operator not only of railway transportation, but also of sea transportation. The ultimate goal is to create a corridor that will provide turnkey services to our customers from China to Europe,” Murakhovsky said.

He added that the ferries will transport not only containers, but also wagons. It is also noted that Ukrzaliznytsia has not operated sea ferries since their transfer to the company’s balance sheet. Earlier, USM reported that Ukraine would play a decisive role in the Trans-Caspian route if it launches ferries to Georgia.