Ukraine has surplus port capacity, full utilization will require major effort — USPA head

Ukraine currently has a surplus of port capacity, and utilizing it fully will require significant effort, Head of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) Oleksandr Semyrha said in an interview with LIGA.net.

“There is definitely a surplus of port capacity. And to load it all, we’ll have to work hard. That’s one side of the issue,” he said.

On the other hand, Semyrha noted, existing port infrastructure in some areas is outdated, partially destroyed, in need of repairs, or requires modernization.

“These are very different situations. There is, for example, critical state-owned infrastructure; facilities that private investors could invest in; and options for public-private partnerships, such as concession projects that include the reconstruction of berths,” he added.

The USPA head also pointed out that Danube ports — particularly Izmail and Reni — are seeing a significant downturn. After a shipping boom in 2022–2024, cargo volumes have now dropped to 50% of last year’s levels, and to just 20% in Reni. Freight is shifting to Big Odesa due to cheaper logistics and safety concerns.