French liner operator CMA CGM is resuming its services to Ukraine.
The Marseille-based carrier will introduce a new loop linking Piraeus and Istanbul with Odesa through the new Odessa Express (ODX) at the end of next month.
The move will see CMA CGM become the second major operator to return to Ukraine with its own tonnage after MSC launched its Black Sea feeder service linking Constanta in Romania to Chornomorsk earlier this year.
Alphaliner noted, however, that the liner would be the first to operate a direct link between Greece and Ukraine since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Two ships will be deployed weekly the 1,118 teu Lila Canada and the 1,550 teu TJ Orhan.
The TJ Orhan is set to sail from Piraeus on January 24 and call Odesa four days later, according to Alphaliner.
Regular box services to Ukraine started in April when the Ukrainian transport and logistics firm Iteris Feeders launched a service between Constanta and Chornomorsk.
In related news, Medkon Lines will in mid-January reinstate its Turkey – Ukraine service, closed since early 2022, becoming the first Turkish liner shipping operator to return to the Ukrainian market.
