Ukraine has significantly expanded the capacity of its alternative export routes following disruptions to the Black Sea maritime corridor. According to First Deputy Minister for Restoration, Infrastructure and Transport Serhiy Derkach, the Danube ports, railways, and road transport can now handle up to 4.5 million tonnes of cargo per month. Before the escalation, Ukraine's maritime corridor transported around 6 million tonnes monthly, including approximately 4 million tonnes of grain.
The Danube ports have become the backbone of the alternative logistics network. Operating at an intensified pace, they are now capable of handling up to 3 million tonnes of cargo per month, with throughput having nearly tripled over the past month. Additional capacity could be unlocked by restoring 24/7 Romanian pilot operations on the Sulina Canal and certifying Ukrainian pilots to guide vessels through the route.
Ukraine's railway network can currently move another 1–1.5 million tonnes of cargo per month, while road transport contributes 200–300 thousand tonnes. To further increase capacity, the government is investing in border infrastructure, including the Yampil–Coseuți bridge with Moldova and the expansion of the Porubne–Siret border crossing with Romania. Overall border freight capacity is expected to increase by 15–20% over the next year.
Despite these improvements, alternative routes remain considerably more expensive than maritime shipping. Higher logistics costs are manageable for some oilseed exports but significantly reduce the profitability of grain shipments. As a result, while the expanded overland network helps maintain export flows, it is viewed as a strategic supplement rather than a full replacement for Ukraine's Black Sea ports.