Ukrainian seaports handled 18.5 million tons of iron ore in 2024

Ukrainian seaports handled 18.5 million tons of ore cargo in 2024. This is evidenced by the data of the State Enterprise Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA).

Last year, the total cargo turnover of Ukrainian ports reached a record high of 97.2 million tons compared to 62 million tons in 2023, while exports amounted to 88.1 million tons.

According to the USPA, this indicates the restoration and further development of the country’s maritime logistics, even in a difficult geopolitical situation.

The main drivers of cargo turnover growth were grain, which remains the leading export item (60.3 million tons), and ore cargo.

“One of the most important achievements was the stable functioning of the Ukrainian sea corridor. Thanks to the well-coordinated work of the ports of Greater Odesa, cargo turnover has increased significantly compared to last year. The functioning of the corridor was made possible thanks to the professionalism and selfless work of the Ukrainian Navy, which ensures its safety,” the USPA said.

According to the results of January-December 2024, the total cargo turnover of the Ukrainian sea corridor amounted to 79.9 million tons, 76.4 million tons were export cargo. The number of vessels that used this route last year was 3,138.

Last year, the Danube ports handled 17.3 million tons of cargo and handled 7,744 vessels (14,031 in 2023).

In 2024, Pivdennyi port increased its cargo turnover by 3.3 times – to 35.55 million tons, Chornomorsk port by 2.3 times – to 26.04 million tons, and Odesa port by more than half to 18.3 million tons.

The port of Izmail handled 13.4 million tons of cargo last year, compared to 20.26 million tons in 2023. In 2024, cargo turnover in Reni amounted to 3.43 million tons (10.07 million tons in 2023), and in Ust-Dunaisk – 0.51 million tons (1.58 million tons in the previous year).

As GMK Center reported earlier, Ukraine’s trade turnover in 2024 increased by 13% compared to 2023, from $99.4 billion to $112.3 billion. During the year, Ukraine imported $70.7 billion worth of goods and exported $41.6 billion. At the same time, taxed imports amounted to $57.4 billion, which is 81% of the total volume of imported goods.