After taking a hit in 2018 due to Russian harassment of ships, Mariupol’s port cargo has stabilized this year

After taking a hit in 2018 due to Russian harassment of ships, Mariupol’s port cargo has stabilized this year – at the new low level. So far this year, the port has handled 4 million tons of cargo – the same amount as this time last year. At this rate, the port will handle 6 million tons this year – far below the 14.6 million tons handled in 2013, the last pre-war year. To motivate producers to use the port, the Cabinet of Ministers ordered the state railroad to offer 20% rate discounts on grain and metals shipped to Mariupol and Berdyansk. Veckagans, of the Sea Ports Authority, said that, in the face of international pressure, Russia has reduced harassment this year of Ukrainian shipping.