In terms if Ukraine successfully realizes the previously announced dredging of the Dnieper River in July-August period, the Government passes the law on internal waters, and cargoes begin to return to the river routs, the cargo owners will face some shortage of river fleet, declared the Center for Transport Strategies on June 26.
According to the announcement, in the nearest future the Dnieper River will be able to raise nearly 10 mln tonnes of grain export cargoes, an increase of 5 times compared with the volumes, observed in 2014 (nearly 2 mln tonnes).
It is rather difficult to estimate the exact requirements in fleet in terms of the current loading rates. In addition, the situation will significantly depend on the ability to attract foreign fleet to realize cargo transportation - how will the freight rates cooperate with railway tariffs and the cost of road transportation, said Andrei Shklyar, Head of CTS' expert division.
Also, it was reported that the company Ukrrichflot is the largest commercial ship owner in Ukraine. The total deadweight of its cargo fleet totals 250 thsd tonnes, including 150 thsd tonnes of river vessels and 100 thsd tonnes of river-sea type vessels. In addition, the company Nibulon has its own fleet - nearly 30 barges and 8 tugs. But it is not enough to actively increase river cargo traffic, specified the expert.
