The selection process for an investor to develop the First and Container terminals at Port of Chornomorsk is currently underway, ProAgro Group reports. The project is the largest investment initiative in Ukraine’s port sector to date and the first port public-private partnership (PPP) implemented amid a full-scale war.
According to the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, the project could generate around $1 billion in additional budget revenues. The state will retain ownership of the port, while the investor will be responsible for infrastructure development and the stable operation of the terminals. During the first three years, planned throughput includes 250,000 TEU of containers and 3 million tonnes of bulk cargo, as well as the preservation of more than 1,000 jobs.
The concession tender will be conducted under a competitive dialogue procedure with the involvement of international advisers — the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) — to ensure transparency and compliance with international standards.
According to the ministry, the project has already attracted interest from over 40 international port operators and investors, creating strong competition and enabling the state to secure the most favorable terms.
The selection process will take place in three stages: prequalification, dialogue with shortlisted participants, and the final bid competition. Applications for prequalification will be accepted until March 4, 2025.
As previously reported, in December 2025 the Ministry announced the launch of the concession tender for the management of the First and Container terminals of the Port of Chornomorsk, also known as the Universal and Grain marine terminals.
