Top-20 global port operators compete for Chornomorsk port concession — Shkrum
The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories has completed the prequalification stage for the concession of the container terminal at the Port of Chornomorsk. Companies that have advanced to the next stage — the competitive dialogue — include, among others, firms from the global top 20 port operators, said Deputy Minister Alyona Shkrum.
According to her, both strong Ukrainian and international investors have been selected to participate, although the list of bidders has not been disclosed. This decision is intended to ensure fair competition and avoid external pressure.
“This project involves not just participants, but global companies, including players from the top 20 port operators worldwide. Once again: companies from the global top 20 port operators. This is for everyone who did not believe and claimed that investment projects are not timely now,” Shkrum emphasised.
All participants are undergoing security screening, including checks for ties to Russia, ownership structure, and potential risks to the state. Relevant authorities are involved in the process, including the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
The concession provides for the transfer of the container terminal in Chornomorsk together with six deep-water berths, as well as engineering and transport infrastructure, land, buildings, and equipment.
At the same time, the terminal is currently effectively non-operational: while in 2008 the port handled 540,000 TEU and accounted for about half of the market, today its container throughput stands at zero. Losses exceeded UAH 262 million in 2019–2023.
The investor is expected to commit at least $50 million in investments within the first five years, handle no less than 250,000 containers annually, and process an additional 3 million tons of cargo. Guaranteed annual payments are also required.
