The logistics company Soul Marine LLC (Kyiv) will build a 20,000-tonne grain terminal in the port of Izmail (Odesa region) by the end of September, said Ivan Nyakyi, the company’s commercial director, who previously headed Crunchip and Danube Logistics Group, in an interview with Ports of Ukraine.
“At the first stage, we will have 20 thousand tons of one-time storage – four warehouses of 5 thousand tons each. We will have our own laboratory, scales, and everything we need to handle cargo,” he said.
According to Mr. Nikanyi, the necessary equipment has already been purchased.
“Unfortunately, we cannot build our own berth for a simple reason – there is no space. Therefore, we will work through other port operators, which will allow us to load vessels at different berths in Izmail,” he said, adding that preparatory work for the terminal construction has already been completed.
The Commercial Director also informed about the signed contract with the general contractor and the advance payment.
“The other day, the equipment arrived. The first stage of 10 thousand tons will be ready at the end of August, the second – in mid-September,” added Mr. Nikakyi.
It is noted that the company will employ about 10-12 administrative staff and about 30 people at the terminal in Izmail.
Mr. Nyakyi added that Soul Marine also plans to create its own platform for receiving and unloading railroad cars.
“The ability to accept not only vehicles but also railcars will be a great advantage. This is an expensive project, but it is very necessary. We are working on it now,” said the commercial director.
In addition, according to him, in October, Soul Marine plans to reach 60 thousand tons of transshipment through its warehouses, and by the end of the year – 100 thousand tons of transshipment per month. Separately, the company plans to ship 10 thousand tons of its cargo as a trader.
Mr. Nikanyi clarified that the project is being implemented at the expense of an investor who “provides financing and does not interfere with the company’s operations.” He did not name the investor, saying only that it was not related to the transportation or agricultural sectors.
According to the commercial director, Soul Marine’s team includes a technical director who built elevators on the Dnipro, and a corporate director in charge of investments and GR, and a potential terminal manager, forwarder, and agent have been selected.
According to Opendatabot, Soul Marine was registered on June 16, 2023, with a registered capital of UAH 0.5 million. The main activities are non-specialized wholesale trade, auxiliary water transport services, rental of transport and equipment, cultivation of cereals (except rice), legumes and oilseeds.
The company’s ultimate beneficial owner and founder is Mykhailo Kuranda.
