Record Performance Amid War
Ukrainian seaports have reached their highest container turnover since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. From January to August 2025, ports processed 134,191 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), which is 3.3% more than the total for 2024 (129,902 TEU), according to the Association of International Freight Forwarders of Ukraine (AMEU).
The achievement signals resilience and stable growth in port operations, despite ongoing military and logistical challenges.
Business Signal of Resilience
AMEU emphasized that the new record is a positive indicator for exporters and importers, showing that Ukrainian ports continue to handle international trade flows reliably under wartime conditions.
However, Viktor Berestenko, Head of AMEU, pointed out that:
-
More than 60% of high-value cargo and finished products are still routed through Baltic countries.
-
The next target is reaching 200,000 TEU annually.
-
To achieve this, Ukraine must streamline customs procedures for transit and imports and accelerate cargo processing times.
For comparison, pre-war container turnover in 2021 stood at 1,048,691 TEU, showing the long road to full recovery.
New Logistics Initiatives
To support trade flows and ease border challenges, logistics companies are expanding rail connections:
-
MOST Logistic has launched the UA–PL–UA Rail Shuttle, a regular service with three monthly trains between Gdansk port (Poland) and Ukraine.
-
LTG Cargo (Lithuanian Railways group) plans to introduce a weekly container train to Ukraine, citing congestion at road border crossings.
Outlook
While Ukrainian ports are still far from their pre-war peak, the record turnover of 2025 demonstrates their capacity to adapt and recover. With streamlined customs procedures, improved transit routes, and growing rail connectivity, the sector could soon move toward the 200,000 TEU milestone, reinforcing Ukraine’s role in regional logistics and international trade.
