Ukraine's logistics during the war: challenges and prospects
As Ukrainian logistics adapted to the war we understand together with the CEO of the International Logistics Company of Ukrainian origin of Uni-Laman Group Sorochinsky Gennady. Uni-Laman Group is a Ukrainian company with more than 20 years of experience in international logistics. Its services cover 9 countries, and its own logistics services, such as customs warehouses, container trains and cargo insurance, make it a unique player in the market.
With the first days of a full -scale invasion, it became clear that the usual logistics routes no longer operate. In the first year of the war, about 30% of logistics and freight forwarders ceased operations due to destroyed infrastructure, fuel interruptions and risks to cargoes. One of the most painful blows was the blockade of ports in Greater Odessa, through which more than 70% of Ukrainian exports passed before the war.
Temporary loss of maritime transportation forced the companies to refocus on alternative routes through Poland, Romania and other countries. Gennady Sorochinsky, CEO of Uni-Laman Group, emphasizes: "The war has become a test for endurance for the entire logistics system of the country. We have lost direct maritime routes, and at the same time thousands of containers with Ukrainian cargoes were on international ports without delivery. Development of new logistics schemes.
" One of the key solutions was the creation of new logistics hubs outside Ukraine. Today, Poland and Romania play the role of transit centers for most Ukrainian cargo. Polish ports, such as Gdansk and Gdynia, have become the main points of transshipment for export and import. In addition, multimodal transportation has become not just a trend, but a necessity.
Combining different modes of transport - rail, road and marine - companies were able to ensure the continuity of deliveries, even in the most difficult conditions. "Our experience shows that the most effective solution is flexibility. At a time when many companies were afraid to concentrate large volumes of goods in Ukraine, we provided them with safe solutions through our warehouses in Poland. This allowed our clients to maintain flexibility and avoid losses.
For example, we We store customer cargo in Poland, and then deliver them to Ukraine in small parties. One of the most interesting areas of logistics development is a transcaspian route that allows you to deliver goods from China to Ukraine bypassing Russia. This route runs through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia, and then a vapor through the Black Sea to Ukraine. Transit time is 20-25 days, which is much faster than maritime transport (70-90 days).
This makes the Transcaspian route not only safe but also competitive in speed. "By the end of 2024, we launch a new project of our own flight container train on this route. This will allow Ukrainian businesses to get a quick and reliable way of transporting goods from China," Sorochinsky said. Logistics has always been a key component of the economy, and in war, its importance has only increased.
The efficiency of delivery of goods directly affects the functioning of enterprises, the preservation of jobs and the receipt of foreign exchange earnings to the country. Historically, Ukraine had considerable potential as a transit country due to its geographical position. Restoration of this status will be an important task after the war. In this context, technology development will play a crucial role.
Modern warehouse management systems, digital solutions for tracking goods and automation of logistics processes will increase the efficiency and transparency of the industry. "Modern logistics is more than cargo transportation. It is risk management, speed and efficiency. We in Uni-Laman Group understand that new heights can be reached through technology and international cooperation," Gennady Sorochinsky says. Ukraine has every chance of becoming an important logistics hub in Europe after the war.
The main directions for development include: "We see the future of logistics in the introduction of innovations and international integration. This will not only restore the industry, but also bring it to a new level," Sominsky sums up. Despite the difficult conditions of war, Ukrainian logistics proved its viability and potential for growth.
Thanks to rapid adaptation, international cooperation and innovation, it has not only retained functionality, but also laid the basis for further development. The future of logistics in Ukraine is the synergy of technology, international integration and strategic thinking. Although the challenges remain, such companies as Uni-Laman Group show that even in the most difficult times, you can find opportunities to grow and strengthen the country's economy.