Global Ocean Link experts on the blockage of border crossings at the Polish-Ukrainian border

Logistics. Today offers commentary from Global Ocean Link CEO Pavlo Lynnyk and Commercial Director Volodymyr Guz on the situation regarding the blockade of the border by Polish carriers. Industry representatives discussed the challenges faced by the company and the measures being taken to restore international transportation logistics.

– Pavlo, what logistical solutions has your company implemented to address this problem?

“The situation with the blockade of the Polish borders was predictable but uncontrollable since it was impossible to quickly redirect the main cargo flows through Poland, regardless of the mode of transport. Therefore, we decided to shift part of the cargo flows to rail.”

– How did this happen technically?

“In cooperation with our Polish colleagues, we started using direct intermodal trains, which significantly reduced our export traffic by road and increased shipment volumes. We are also actively using import rail services, which, in turn, has also reduced the load on the road transport market.”

– Are there any complications in implementing this solution?

“Yes, unfortunately, there is always a ‘but.’ Due to the active import of goods through Polish ports, there are congestion issues inside the ports. This leads to containers staying in the port for 7 to 20 days before being loaded onto a train, which is roughly the same as a truck waiting at the border. However, despite this, rail transport is successfully competing with road transport as it is a more cost-effective option.”

– What other transportation directions is GOL currently working on?

“We are actively developing rail routes with the ports of Koper/Rijeka for imports and are now actively working on launching this direction for exports. In short, our team’s focus is on the fastest possible delivery of goods for our clients and minimizing additional costs associated with demurrage/detention.”

– Volodymyr, how do you view the problem of the Polish border blockade?

“Firstly, the strike by Polish carriers and their union was announced on November 3. Their main message was to reinstate the permit system. Additionally, there were about a dozen other demands. The strike began on November 6, stopping three border crossings. To be precise, it meant allowing only one truck per hour, which is equivalent to a stoppage. By November 8, there was already a 32-kilometer queue at Shehyni, and by November 9, it was 60 kilometers long.”

– How will this phenomenon affect the financial aspect of transportation?

“The idle time will be paid by the customer, meaning the client. This means that the cost of transportation will be affected.”

– Are there any alternative solutions?

“I see a solution in shifting the focus to the Uzhhorod and Chop crossings to neighboring countries such as Slovakia and Hungary. However, as of Friday, there was already a queue of about 500 trucks at each crossing. As my colleague Pavlo correctly noted, we need to search for alternatives and diversify the use of different types of transport, such as more actively using railways. Direct trains to Gdańsk, Hamburg, Koper, Rijeka could be relevant alternatives to move away from container ports.”

– Do you have any current projects related to cooperation with Ukrzaliznytsia?

“Yes, we have launched contrailer transportation. The first trial trucks have already been delivered via the Kaunas-Kyiv route, with unloading in Obukhiv. This transportation involves securing truck trailers on railway platforms. Next week, we plan to launch a regular service with 36 trucks on the Gdansk-Kyiv and Kaunas-Kyiv routes. So, despite the challenging dynamics of the transport and logistics industry and the constant challenges it faces, our plans are ambitious and extensive.”