If the sea corridor is fully operational, more than 50% of export shipments in 2024 will be carried by sea, said Yuriy Vaskov, Deputy Minister of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, at Infrastructure Day 2023 organized by the European Business Association in Kyiv on Friday.
“We expect that in 2024, more than 50% of export transportation will be carried out by sea. As was the case with the Grain Initiative when it was in operation, 52% (of shipments) were through the ports of Greater Odesa, and the remaining 48% were through the Danube and Western borders. This will be the case for all industries,” the Deputy Minister said.
According to him, the functioning of the corridor and the Danube ports will help accelerate GDP growth.
“The functioning of the Ukrainian maritime corridor in 2024 will give at least 8% to Ukraine’s GDP growth. If we have +5% in our budget, then if the sea corridor and the Danube are operational, we will have +13% growth. That is why it is important,” Vaskov said.
The deputy minister noted that Ukraine is interested in expanding shipping channels, including by restoring them in the Mykolaiv region. However, the decision will be made depending on the security situation.
“As for the expansion. Of course, we are interested in this. Of course, we will do everything to restore shipping in the Mykolaiv region as soon as possible, but it will depend on the military situation. As long as we have the occupied Kinburn Spit, unfortunately, it is dangerous,” the Deputy Minister said.
Earlier it was reported that 151 vessels have used the Ukrainian sea corridor established by the Ukrainian Navy since August 10, 2023, 121 of which have already used it with 4.4 million tons of export cargo.
