This milestone marks a significant step in resuming maritime trade operations in the region.
Service Details:
- Route: The service connects the Ukrainian deep-sea port of Chornomorsk with the Romanian container terminal of Constanta.
- Capacity: A vessel with a capacity of over 1,100 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) is being used.
- Collaboration: The service is operated in collaboration with the Ukrainian feeder operator Iteris.
Operational Insights:
- Initial Operations: In April, Iteris and Maersk delivered empty containers to exporters and transported full cargo containers to Constanta for transshipment. Major shipping lines like Arkas, CMA CGM, Evergreen, and MSC share space in this service.
- Future Prospects: Daniil Melnychenko from the Odessa consulting company Informall BG anticipates a doubling of shipping volumes in the coming months as more shipping lines join the service. Additionally, there is potential for direct shipments to Ukraine from Egypt and Turkey, similar to pre-invasion operations.
Transition from Barge to Deep-Sea Service:
- Previous Operations: Iteris and Maersk previously collaborated on transporting containers by barge between the port of Reni and Constanta.
- Service Shift: The launch of the deep-sea container service has led to the cessation of the barge service, with the final barge expected to depart on June 15.
Additional Developments:
- Turkish Involvement: The Turkish shipping company Akkon has also launched a feeder service using its own ships to Chornomorsk.
This new container service by Maersk represents a significant development in restoring and enhancing Ukraine's maritime trade capabilities amid ongoing challenges.
