Ports and Logistics Key to Ukraine's Reconstruction

The transport sector will be a primary engine for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, emphasized participants at the "Sea and Inland Waterway Transport" panel during the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026 in Gdańsk. Representatives from major Polish seaports also contributed to the discussion.

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The Danube has become an alternative route for Ukrainian exports and has helped maintain the stability of foreign trade. Today, the development of the Danube logistics corridor has not only short-term but also long-term strategic significance.

Andriy Kazyba, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Community Development, Territories, and Infrastructure, noted that Russian aggression has fundamentally reshaped the region's logistics map. The Danube ports have gained particular significance, becoming a vital alternative route for Ukrainian exports and helping maintain foreign trade stability. Kazyba stated that developing the Danube logistics corridor holds both immediate and long-term strategic importance.

Kazyba outlined Ukraine's vision for its transport future, focusing on modernizing infrastructure, rebuilding its fleet, expanding inland navigation, and integrating with the European TEN-T network. He also stressed the importance of industrial parks and logistics centers connected to ports. "Our vision is not simply to rebuild what existed before the war, but to create a modern, resilient, safe, and competitive transport system fully integrated with the European transport area," he declared.

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Our vision is not simply to rebuild what existed before the war, but to create a modern, resilient, safe, and competitive transport system fully integrated with the European transport area.

Alain Baron, representing the European Commission, linked the success of this process to consistent reform implementation. "Without reforms, there will be no clear future for the maritime and inland sectors. Their absence may also slow down access to EU markets," Baron advised, urging Ukraine to accelerate reforms to be ready for reconstruction and accession negotiations.

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Without reforms, there will be no clear future for the maritime and inland sectors. Their absence may also slow down access to EU markets. You must accelerate reforms to be ready when reconstruction begins and accession negotiations are advanced.

Maksym Lapai, Vice President of Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, discussed the challenges ports face during wartime, prioritizing security beyond physical protection. He highlighted that since the launch of Ukraine's maritime corridor in August 2023, the port of Odesa has handled over 200 million tons of cargo. Lapai pointed out that Russian attacks continue to target the global food supply chain, not just military objects, yet Ukrainian ports remain operational. Polish ports, particularly Port of Gdańsk, expressed a desire to strengthen economic ties and their role in Ukraine's reconstruction.

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Russia does not target military objects, but the global food supply chain. Nevertheless, Ukrainian ports are alive, functioning, and fighting for peace, and Ukraine's heart beats with them.