Berdyansk Seaport (Azov region, Ukraine) has started handling containers. According to RZD-Partner, the first lot of 104 container has been loaded onboard the multipurpose vessel called Reni (Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company OJSC), which is to go to the Spanish port of Costellon within the framework of a feeder branch of MED AZOV LINE (agent – Ukraine company MSS). The containers were handled at the berth No1 generally used for transshipment of general cargo. The berth is equipped with 40-ton cranes, however the port intends to build specialized container terminal capable of handling 60 thou TEU per year.
As of today the operational scheme is the following: delivery of empty containers to Spain after container cargo is delivered to the port of Mariupol located close to Berdyansk. The port also plans to introduce containerized export and new container line. A number of regional manufacturers (including AvtoZAZ) as well as S. Korea businesses have expressed their interest in new container possibilities of the port. New container line is to serve a number of major Ukrainian regions and Crimea.