In a bold move amidst Russia’s intensified rocket attacks on civilian ships and Ukrainian ports, Maersk has launched a new weekly container service into Ukraine, signaling resilience in the country’s seaborne trade. Local reports from Ukrainian news portal Dumskaya confirm the first vessel under this new service departed Port Said, Egypt, on Thursday and is expected to arrive at Chornomorsk on October 22.
“This marks a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and interaction for our customers in the Ukrainian market,” Maersk’s Ukraine office said in a statement to clients, according to Dumskaya.
It remains unclear whether this new service will complement or replace Maersk’s existing operations, which currently run four feeder ships between Chornomorsk and Constanta, Romania.
Russia’s escalated attacks on Ukrainian ports, which have increasingly targeted ships and port infrastructure, have raised concerns about the future of Ukraine’s seaborne trade. Despite these risks— including skyrocketing insurance premiums and the growing number of vessels turning off their AIS signals in Ukrainian waters—shipping operations continue.
One shipowner whose vessel was hit by Russian forces recently said that he remains committed to operating in the region, echoing a defiant tone among industry players. Similarly, German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd, which began container operations in Ukraine last year, has confirmed that it will not be halting services.
A spokesperson for HHLA, the operator of a container terminal in Odesa, has announced their terminal remains fully operational, both on land and at sea, despite the missile strieks. While other nearby facilities, such as Ukraine’s state-owned Chornomorsk seaport, have sustained considerable damage, the will to keep trade flowing remains strong.
