Ukrainian seaports handled 1.5 million tons of iron ore in May

In May 2024, Ukrainian seaports handled 1.5 million tons of iron ore, compared to 241 thousand tons in May 2023. This is stated in the press release of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA).

In general, Ukrainian seaports handled 8.26 million tons of cargo over the month, which is almost twice as much as in the same period last year. Grain accounted for the largest volume of cargo turnover – 5.3 million tons (3.5 million tons in May 2023). Iron ore is in second place.

In May, cargo turnover through the Ukrainian corridor amounted to 6.7 million tons, of which 4.5 million tons were products of Ukrainian farmers.

In total, in January-May 2024, Ukrainian ports handled 45.8 million tons of cargo. These volumes are almost twice as high as in the same period of 2023.

In May, Ukrainian Railways (UZ) transported 2.7 million tons of iron ore for export, up 2.8 million tons month-on-month. Compared to May 2023, the figure increased by 97.6%. Seaports transported 1.394 million tons of raw materials, or 51.6% of iron ore exports. The total volume of overland transportation was 1.309 million tons (48.4%).

Over the 9 months of the sea corridor’s operation (since August 2023), Ukraine has exported 50 million tons of cargo through it, and port workers have handled 1737 vessels. According to the Head of the USPA, Yuriy Lytvyn, the ports of Greater Odesa have already received and dispatched 10 container ships, and this trend will continue. The agency is also working on expanding and restoring the pre-war cargo range.