Ukraine and Poland sign agreement to restore intermodal Eurasian logistics

Ukrainian Railways and Polish state rail operator PKP have signed an agreement to facilitate intermodal logistics between Europe and Asia. The two countries will focus on improving border crossings and creating transit corridors. In line with that development, Ukraine also signed an agreement with the European Railway Agency to further strengthen the country’s integration with the European rail network.

Shipments from Asia through Ukraine have virtually been halted since the start of the Russian invasion, explains Ukrainian Railways. In spite of that, “Ukraine remains a promising country for building diversification connections between Asia and EU countries”, the company says. However, a maritime connection to Georgia, across the Black Sea, is key for that ambition.

For now, Poland and Ukraine have signed a cooperation agreement to once again develop intermodal routes to Asia. “The main task for both sides is the restoration and development of the Eurasian intermodal connection and ensuring the maximum efficiency of rail freight transportation at the Polish-Ukrainian border crossings”, Ukrainian Railways says.

“Strengthening our logistics partnership will help to develop transit corridors that are promising for the restoration of the transit potential of our state, for example, the Middle Corridor connecting Asia with Europe”, Ukrainian Railways’ CEO Yevhen Lyashchenko comments.

“Ukraine and Poland are key countries on this route. Both countries are interested in the development of intermodal logistics between Ukraine and the EU countries, the creation of container terminals and the launch of new routes and services.”

European Railway Agency agreement

In line with the Polish-Ukrainian cooperation agreement, Ukraine also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the European Railway Agency. The agreement is supposed to improve the safety, integration and interoperability of the Ukrainian railway system with the European network, and includes support for ERTMS implementation.

“The memorandum emphasizes our commitment to increasing the safety and efficiency of the Ukrainian railway, as well as its integration with Europe. This partnership will speed up the alignment of our industry with EU standards, which will contribute to its modernisation,” says the company’s CEO Yevhen Lyashchenko.