Despite Russian pressure on shippers, Mariupol continues with its modernization plan, building a grain terminal capable of handling 2.5 million tons a year

Despite Russian pressure on shippers, Mariupol continues with its modernization plan, building a grain terminal capable of handling 2.5 million tons a year, Port Director Alexander Oleinik writes on Facebook. He says half of the foundation has been laid, four of the 10 silos are rising and a rail link is being built. “I have no doubt that the amount of grain transshipment in the Mariupol port will increase significantly,” he writes of the port, which until last year handled 10% of Ukraine’s steel exports. Last year, overall cargo was down by 10% as the number of ships dwindled in the second half.