Ukraine Plans to Develop Private Fleet for Agro-Exports

The ports of Greater Odessa remain the only route for exporting most of Ukraine's agro-products. Due to regular Russian shelling of infrastructure, Ukraine is seeking alternative routes and plans to create conditions for private businesses to purchase vessels. Andrey Kashuba, Deputy Minister for Restoration, Infrastructure, and Transport of Ukraine, stated at the LFM 2026 conference that the government and businesses are working on logistics issues within the framework of the agrarian headquarters and the headquarters for ensuring the functioning of the maritime corridor. The main areas of work include finding temporary alternative routes, developing rail transport, and addressing transportation issues along the Danube. The possibility of joint vessel acquisition for operations in the Black Sea is being discussed. Kashuba emphasized that the public sector should not operate a state fleet but should create conditions for business. The main factor for the development of maritime transport remains safety, and Ukraine is ready to ensure the operation of both the public and private sectors.