Cargo turnover at Ukrainian ports rose by 35.8%: what drove the increase in transshipment
16 May 05:45
In April 2026, Ukrainian seaports increased their cargo handling volumes despite intensified Russian attacks on port and logistics infrastructure. Over the course of the month, the ports handled 8.2 million tons of cargo—a 35.8% increase compared to April of last year.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to the USPA, the increase in cargo turnover occurred amid a significant rise in the number of attacks on port infrastructure.
How much cargo did Ukrainian ports handle?
In April 2026, Ukraine’s seaports handled 8.2 million tons of cargo. Compared to April 2025, this is an increase of 35.8%.
In total, from January to April 2026, Ukrainian ports handled 29.5 million tons of cargo.
This figure exceeds the result for the same period in 2025.
Grain remains the backbone of cargo traffic
Grain crops traditionally formed the basis of cargo traffic. In the first four months of 2026, 16 million tons of grain were transshipped through Ukrainian ports.
This is 7% more than during the same period last year.
Agricultural products remain one of the key cargoes for Ukraine’s maritime logistics and foreign exchange earnings.
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Ports are operating despite regular attacks
The increase in cargo turnover occurred amid intensified Russian strikes on port infrastructure. According to the USPA, over 500 UAVs targeting logistics infrastructure were recorded in April. In fact, ports were under attack every other day.
Despite this, Ukrainian ports continued to handle cargo and fulfill foreign trade contracts. This demonstrates the port system’s adaptation to operating under conditions of constant military threat.
Which facilities were damaged by shelling
In 2026, Ukraine’s port infrastructure is being attacked on average once every five days. According to available data, shelling and strikes have damaged 193 infrastructure facilities and 25 civilian vessels.
Such attacks pose risks to exports, logistics, the safety of port workers, and shipping. At the same time, Ukraine’s port sector continues to operate to support exports and economic stability.
Ukraine’s seaports are of strategic importance for the export of agricultural products, metallurgical products, ore, and other cargo. A significant portion of the country’s foreign trade passes through these ports.
The following remain particularly important:
- the ports of the Odesa region;
- theDanube ports;
- alternative logistics routes for grain exports.
Following the reduction in the capacity of some Black Sea routes, the ports on the Danube and in the Odesa region have become key routes for Ukrainian exports.
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