DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS AND ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF THE PORT INDUSTRY OF UKRAINE

Abstract

This study focuses on the analysis of the current state of the Ukrainian port industry in the context of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation and geopolitical instability. The key challenges faced by the industry are identified, including the blockade and temporary occupation of the Black Sea ports, destruction of infrastructure, loss of cargo transshipment volumes since the beginning of the war, and reconfiguration of international logistics routes. The dynamics of the sharp increase in global trade in goods and services, the total cargo turnover in the ports of the Black Sea and Danube regions, as well as the analysis of the structure of cargo turnover in Ukrainian seaports in terms of nomenclature are presented. The strategic importance of the Danube ports in the period of limited access to the Black Sea ports is emphasized. The strategic directions for the development of port infrastructure in accordance with the National Strategy for the Development of Ukrainian Seaports until 2038 are indicated and it is determined that the port industry should develop within the framework of a competitive and efficient transport system for further integration into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Attention is focused on the importance of digitalization of the port sector and automation of business processes within the framework of digital transformation at the international level. It is mentioned that in the near future it is planned to actively use API platforms, large-scale implementation of electronic bills of lading and transition to digital supply chain visibility systems. The article presents examples of the introduction of Digital Twins in the supply chain of MAERSK, as well as the Maritime Single Window in the Pivdennyi seaport. The necessity of accelerated digital transformation and international integration of the Ukrainian port industry as a prerequisite for its sustainable functioning in the face of modern challenges is substantiated. It is concluded that the transformation of the port industry in the global system is undergoing significant changes, focusing on the formation of port clusters to improve the efficiency and sustainability of supply chains. These trends require the adaptation of the national port system not only by updating the infrastructure, regulatory framework and implementation of digital solutions, but also by entering the system of cooperation within the international port community.