Deutsche Bahn and Ukrzaliznytsia signed a memorandum of long-term support

The German railway transport operator Deutsche Bahn has promised long-term assistance and support to Ukrzaliznytsia (UZ). UZ’s press release informs about it.

The agreement will provide assistance in rebuilding the Ukrainian railway infrastructure. It also covers cooperation for the expansion of rail freight corridors, terminal capacity and consulting services for the introduction of European standards in management.

The memorandum of understanding about the deepening of the partnership was signed in Berlin on September 20 by the CEO of DB Richard Lutz and Ukrzaliznytsia’s CEO Oleksandr Kamyshyn.

“An efficient railway system will be important during the recovery of Ukraine. DB and the entire European railway family are well aware of this fact, and we strongly support our colleagues in Ukraine. It is both an honor and our duty to partner with Ukrzaliznytsia on its way to a bright future,” said Richard Lutz.

Oleksandr Kamyshyn noted that he is sure that the partnership between DB and Ukrzaliznytsia can bring benefits to both sides in expanding cargo transportation and grain exports to Europe.

According to the Federal Minister of Digital Technologies and Transport of Germany, Volker Wiesing, Ukraine will continue to receive all the support that the German side can offer in matters related to his sphere.

DB and UZ began to cooperate in reforming the railway system of Ukraine even before the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation. The new partnership is designed to improve rail freight transportation, in particular agricultural. DB Cargo specialists will help develop and modernize cargo corridors for transshipment between broad and European gauges.

DB will continue to assist UZ in the development of corporate governance structures. The German operator also plans to provide Ukrzaliznytsia with spare parts and is considering the possibility of providing freight railcars that will need to be converted for broad gauge.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in February 2020, Ukrzaliznytsia, Deutsche Bahn AG and DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH signed a memorandum on mutual understanding regarding strategic partnership for the development of Ukrainian railways. Cooperation primarily involved the provision of consulting services by the German side.

Also, before signing the document, industry and business associations expressed their support for the idea of ​​cooperation between UZ and DB.