Ukrzaliznytsia sees 4.1% decrease in cargo transport in Jan-Nov

MOSCOW. Dec 7 (Interfax) - Ukraine's railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia or Ukrainian Railways transported 134.7 million tonne of cargo in January-November 2023, which is 4.1% less than in the same period last year, Ukrainian media reported, citing a statement from the railway operator.

Meanwhile, in November, the company recorded a record monthly transport volume of 14.13 million tonnes, the highest since February last year.

Over 11 months, 49.37 million tonnes of cargo were shipped by rail for export (a 10.5% decrease). The decrease occurred amid a 4.16-million tonne decline in export volumes of iron and manganese ore and 1.2-million tonne decrease in ferrous metals. In addition, transport of construction materials dropped 410,000 tonnes, while non-ferrous ore and fertilizers decreased 910,000 tonnes.

The volume of cargo transported for export reached a record 6.08 million tonnes in November, which is 24.7% more than in October and the highest value since February 2022. The increase was mainly due to the partial resumption of shipments from the ports of Greater Odessa.

At the end of November, 3.4 million tonnes of cargo were transported by rail to ports, which is 67.3% more than in October. Shipments to the ports of Greater Odessa reached 3.08 million tonnes, while Danube ports received 312,500 tonnes by rail.

As far as cargo type is concerned, grains occupy first place in terms of volume. In January-November, the transportation of grain cargo for export increased 0.8% to 19.98 million tonnes. In November, grain transportation for export increased 40.4% versus October to 2.43 million tonnes. Of this volume, 1.71 million tonnes went to ports, which is 70% more than in October. Transport to Western boarder crossings decreased 4.2% to 717,600 tonnes.

In second place are iron and manganese ore, whose export shipments in January-November decreased 19.5% to 17.19 million tonnes. In November, volumes of ore transportation for export increased 20.4% versus October to 2.31 million tonnes. Transportation of iron ore to ports increased 66% to 1.31 million tonnes, while decreasing 11.4% via land crossings to 1.004 million tonnes.

In third place are ferrous metals; in January-November, exports decreased 22.6% to 4.1 million tonnes. In November, ferrous metals exports increased 23.1% compared to October to 406,800 tonnes.