Despite Attacks Every Five Days, Ukrainian Ports Moved 21 Million Tons of Cargo in Early 2026

Cargo Handling Performance in Q1 2026

According to ХВИЛЯ: Ukrainian seaports achieved 98% of their planned cargo handling target in the first quarter of 2026. The total volume processed reached 21.1 million tons, exceeding the figure from the same period the previous year. This performance was sustained despite relentless attacks on port infrastructure, occurring on average every five days since the start of the year, which have not halted vital export flows. These ports are a critical artery for global food security, particularly for grain exports to world markets.

The attacks resulted in damage to 193 infrastructure objects and 25 civilian vessels. The primary export commodities remain grain, with a transshipment volume of 11.6 million tons, and metal products, reaching 1.2 million tons. A significant indicator of recovery is the 43.3% surge in container traffic compared to Q1 2025, with over 63,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) processed.

Situation Assessment and the Impact of the Maritime Corridor

Oleksiy Kuleba noted: 'The largest share of cargo flow is traditionally grain - 11.6 million tons. This once again confirms that Ukraine continues to ensure global food security.'

The operation of the Ukrainian Sea Corridor, launched in September 2023, has been instrumental in this growth. More than 190 million tons of cargo have been transported via this corridor to date, including over 110 million tons of grain, demonstrating the resilience of Ukrainian ports and their importance to global supply chains.

Reaching 98% of the handling target underscores the remarkable resilience of Ukraine's seaports in the face of constant threats. The substantial increase in shipping volumes, especially in containerized cargo, highlights the infrastructure's critical role for both the Ukrainian economy and the world food market. The continued operation of the Ukrainian Sea Corridor remains vital for sustaining exports, particularly grain, which is a key factor in maintaining global food security.