Maersk launches temporary rail link between Ukraine and Romania

Container shipping giant Maersk has introduced a temporary rail connection between Ukraine and Romania to facilitate cargo transportation, according to the company's announcement on Aug. 6. The logistics provider, a major player in the global shipping industry, detailed the initiative on Telegram.

The new rail service will link Ukrainian inland terminals with Romania's Port of Constanța, thereby helping to maintain import and export cargo flows despite ongoing disruptions to Black Sea shipping. Maersk cited the challenging conditions in Odesa Oblast as the reason for launching this service.

The rail link will operate between Kyiv, Odesa, and Ternopil, connecting terminals on both sides of the Ukrainian-Romanian border. Maersk stated that the temporary service will continue through Oct. 1, 2026.

In addition to announcing the rail service, the company also published the transportation rates, noting that T1 customs transit documentation is included in the cost. The logistics operator emphasized that this service is temporary and will remain in place until the stabilization of the situation in Odesa Oblast.

Notably, Maersk previously reported suspending operations through Chornomorsk Fishing Port on July 21 due to intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine's Black Sea export routes. Vessels that were originally scheduled to unload at this port were redirected to the Romanian port of Constanța, with all other cargo previously bound for Chornomorsk also rerouted to Romania.