UDP is developing new routes for transporting iron ore on the Middle Danube

After the start of the war, almost the entire fleet of the Danube Shipping Company was relocated to the Lower Danube to ensure the export of grain

Ukrainian Danube Shipping (UDP) is developing new routes for transporting iron ore on the Middle Danube. This is stated in the press release on the company’s website.

“After the start of the war, almost the entire fleet of the Danube Shipping Company was relocated to the Lower Danube. For half a year, we ensured the export of agricultural products in the conditions of the sea ports’ closure. Now the situation with the shipment of the crop is no longer critical – the «Grain Initiative» has been successfully operating since August. Therefore, today we are considering the possibility of returning part of the caravans to the Middle Danube,” the message says.

According to the UDP, the shortage of the fleet is felt no less acutely on the Middle Danube than on other parts of the river. The company intends to maintain a strong position along the entire length of the river.

“The new lines will be connected with the delivery of iron ore for steel production in European countries. We plan to deliver grain in the return direction to Constanta,” the UDP notes.

The company notes great interest from charterers. The preparatory process has already started. It is planned to send the first caravans up the Danube in October 2022.

Earlier, the UDP was considering the possibility of cooperation with the largest logistics operators of the Danube. Due to cooperation with foreign partners, the UDP will reduce the turnover time of the fleet, increase the volume of transportation and increase competitiveness.

As GMK Center reported earlier, the UDP has increased the carrying capacity of the fleet by 3 times since the beginning of the war. As part of the fleet repair program, more than 150 fleet units were repaired in 6 months and 35 barges, which had been idle for a long time, were put into operation.