International cargo delivery
Group in Telegram
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Cargo delivery from China by sea to the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk

Cargo delivery from China by sea to the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk

Cargo delivery from China by sea to the ports of Odesa and Chornomorsk

The share of imports to Ukraine from China continues to grow in 2026, with every fourth cargo arriving in Ukraine from China. So, what’s the cheapest way to deliver these necessary goods? By sea, bypassing Europe and directly to the seaports of Odesa and Chornomorsk. These two ports currently have a sufficient number of container ships in their anchorages, as early as mid-2024, the Chinese shipping line MSC, and then, starting in January 2025, the Turkish shipping line MEDKON, began sending vessels from the Sea of ​​Marmara to the ports of greater Odesa.

Thus, the transit time for cargo from Chinese ports to Odesa has increased to 45-50 days, compared to 65-70 days via Gdansk and throughout Poland. However, this option is suitable for cargo entering the customs territory of Ukraine under direct contracts, and even then, delays are possible in the ports of greater Odessa due to:

  • enhanced cargo and document checks,
  • increased clearance times to 24-48 hours.

All of this can lead to a 4-5-day delay in cargo shipment. Adding to this the shelling of Odessa, 45-50 days in transit turns into 50-55 days compared to 65-70 days via Poland. However, given that a huge amount of cargo has accumulated in Polish warehouses since early May, and their delivery is proceeding very slowly, some cargo has been sitting in Polish warehouses for 1.5 months already, requiring additional costs in the form of opening new T1 terminals and storage, which adds an additional $250-300 for small consolidated cargo. This is something to consider. Would it be more profitable for trading companies to enter into direct contracts and import cargo from China directly through Odessa, using Chinese shipping lines? It’s important to consider the costs, and it’s certainly worthwhile to import defense-related goods (thermal imagers, night vision devices, radios, body armor, helmets, and UAVs), medical supplies, and energy sector goods (solar panels, inverters, batteries over 200 A/h, generators, etc.) by direct sea.

Summary: compared to the first year of the war, the ports of greater Odessa are playing an increasingly important role in the cargo delivery chain to Ukraine from China, attracting large container shipments and goods exempt from duty in the general flow of cargo to Ukraine. In 2026, cargo delivery from China has become much more complex, but with proper logistics planning, it remains predictable and manageable in the face of military risks.

Our company organizes sea delivery from any port in China. Sea freight delivery to Ukraine via the ports of the greater Odessa area takes 50-55 days. We can help you deliver any type of container: 20-foot, 40-foot, 40 High Cube, 45 High Cube, 20OT/40OT, 20REF/40REF, and others. We can deliver full containers (FCL) or as part of a consolidated container (LCL).

For pricing and terms, please contact us on WhatsApp or Telegram at +380634009995.