
The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company is a significant player in the transportation industry, operating on the Danube River. It's a joint-stock company.
The company's structure is divided into several departments, including cargo operations, navigation, and maintenance. These departments work together to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
The company's fleet consists of various types of vessels, including cargo ships and passenger boats. These vessels are an essential part of the company's operations, carrying goods and passengers along the Danube River.
The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company operates on a route that spans over 2,000 kilometers, connecting Ukraine to other European countries.
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Company History
The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company has a rich history dating back to the end of World War II. In August 1944, the city of Izmail was liberated from German occupation, and the Soviet government established the Soviet Danube Shipping Company (SDSC) with its headquarters in Izmail.
The SDSC faced many challenges, including the reconstruction of the fleet, modernization, and personnel issues. By the 1990s, the SDSC had more than 1300 ships, including self-propelled and non-self-propelled vessels.
The company underwent significant changes in the 1990s, including a name change to Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company (UDP) in 1996. The UDP faced numerous challenges in the post-Soviet period, including difficulties with new economic mechanisms and a shortage of qualified personnel.
In 2013, the Ukrainian government initiated a large-scale reform of the UDP to improve efficiency and competitiveness. The reform plan included measures to modernize the fleet, improve working conditions, and optimize the management structure.
The UDP has continued to operate despite significant challenges, including the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014. Despite these difficulties, the UDP remains a key transportation link between Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and other countries in the region.
Today, the UDP is working on projects to increase efficiency and reduce costs, such as a fuel monitoring system and a potential new grain loading facility. The company's key goals include improving its corporate structure, digitizing management processes, and launching new projects to strengthen its position.
Company Performance

The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company has a strong presence on the Danube River, with its fleet consisting of 13 vessels, including cargo ships and passenger boats.
The company's cargo ships are designed to carry a wide range of goods, from grain to machinery.
One of the company's key strengths is its ability to navigate the Danube River's challenging waters, with a crew of experienced sailors who have a deep understanding of the river's currents and depths.
The company's vessels are equipped with modern navigation systems, ensuring safe and efficient passage through the river.
The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company's fleet has a combined capacity of over 100,000 tons, making it a significant player in the regional shipping market.
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Company Structure
The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company has a robust company structure in place.
The company is owned by the State Property Fund of Ukraine, with a significant stake held by the Ukrainian government.
The company's management team is headed by the President, who oversees the overall strategy and direction of the company.

The President is supported by a team of experienced executives, including the First Deputy President and the Deputy Presidents.
These executives are responsible for overseeing various departments within the company, including operations, finance, and personnel.
The company has a strong focus on safety and security, with a dedicated department responsible for ensuring compliance with international regulations and standards.
Fleet
The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company has a diverse fleet that caters to various needs. The company operates 75 self-propelled ships, which is a significant number.
The river fleet of PJSC "UDP" provides transportation of a wide range of cargo, including iron ore raw materials, coal and coke, grain cargoes, metals, and various general cargoes. This is essential for the economy of the region.
PJSC "UDP" offers transportation services on the entire navigable section of the Danube River, from the ports of Ust-Dunaysk (Ukraine) and Constanta (Romania) to the port of Kelheim (Germany) and in the opposite direction. This extensive network is a testament to the company's capabilities.

The company's fleet is equipped to handle heavy and oversized cargoes, with specialized pontoons "TMI-4" and four pontoons of the "PDM-10" type designed for transporting such cargo. These pontoons are equipped with a power plant, anchor equipment, and automation for ballasting and navigation safety.
Here is a breakdown of the types of cargo transported by PJSC "UDP":
- Iron ore raw materials;
- Coal and coke;
- Grain cargoes;
- Metals and various general cargoes;
- Bulk and packaged fertilizers;
- Third-grade petroleum products;
- Machinery and equipment;
- Wheeled vehicles;
- Containerized cargoes;
- Oversized and heavy cargoes.
River Fleet
The river fleet of PJSC "Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company" is quite impressive. It consists of 75 self-propelled ships and 245 units of non-self-propelled fleet.
These ships are used to transport a wide variety of cargo, including iron ore raw materials, coal and coke, grain cargoes, and more. The river fleet provides transportation on the entire navigable section of the Danube River.
The weight of cargo in formations being pushed during upstream movement against the current can reach 13,000 tons, while downstream with the current it's around 7,000-8,500 tons.
PJSC "UDP" also operates a fleet of foreign joint ventures, which includes 125 units of non-self-propelled fleet.
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The river fleet provides transportation of oversized and heavy cargoes, including machinery, equipment, and containers. The company's pontoons, such as the "TMI-4" and "PDM-10" types, are designed for this purpose.
Here's a breakdown of the types of cargo the river fleet transports:
- Iron ore raw materials
- Coal and coke
- Grain cargoes
- Metals and various general cargoes
- Bulk and packaged fertilizers
- Third-grade petroleum products
- Machinery and equipment
- Wheeled vehicles
- Containerized cargoes
- Oversized and heavy cargoes
Passenger Fleet
The passenger fleet of PJSC "UDP" is quite impressive, with 4 comfortable passenger vessels that offer an unforgettable experience. The "Volga" and "Dnipro" riverboats were built in 1970, while the "Moldova" and "Ukraine" were built in 1979 at an Austrian shipyard.
These vessels are fully equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, restaurants, music salons, and even heated pools. The ships have four decks, ensuring that there's plenty of space for passengers to relax and enjoy the views.
The PJSC "UDP" cruise ships are positioned in the European market of river cruises in the "Upper Middle Class" category, which is a great value for the price. European tourists have come to love these riverboats, chartered by reputable German tour operators like "Seetours", "Transocean", and "Nicko cruises".

The Ukrainian crews on board are known for their friendly and attentive service, making sure that passengers feel welcome and cared for. They'll take care of everything from food to excursions, ensuring that your cruise is nothing short of magical.
During the cruise, passengers can enjoy a range of entertainment and excursion programs, including performances by folk groups and crew concerts. The chefs on board are skilled at preparing delicious dishes from the Danube region, which are sure to delight your taste buds.
The cruise program includes visits to European capitals like Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade, as well as a journey to the Ukrainian Danube delta to the "zero kilometer" mark. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won't want to miss!
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Industry and Geography
The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company operates in a specific region of the world. The Danube River, which runs through several European countries, is a key part of its geography.

The company's ships travel along the Danube River, which is approximately 2,860 kilometers long. This river connects the Black Sea to the North Sea, making it a vital transportation route.
The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company is based in Ukraine, a country with a diverse geography that includes mountains, forests, and coastal areas along the Black Sea.
Sources
- https://www.udp.one/en/
- https://english.nv.ua/business/ukraine-seeks-independent-members-for-danube-shipping-company-board-50481533.html
- https://biz.liga.net/en/all/transport/novosti/barji-ne-prostaivayut-dunayskoe-parohodstvo-perevezlo-rekordnyy-obem-gruzov-v-avguste
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Danube_Shipping_Company
- https://maritime-executive.com/article/success-of-ukraine-s-black-sea-corridor-puts-danube-back-in-second-place
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