Nibulon calls for immediate reopening of Mykolaiv, Kherson Ports to alleviate global food crisis
Prior to Russia‘s invasion in February 2022, Nibulon exported nearly 4 million tonnes of grain annually.
UKRAINE – Ukraine’s leading grain trader, Nibulon, has urged the international community to prioritize the reopening of the Mykolaiv and Kherson ports, emphasizing that such action is crucial for restoring global food supply chains and supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery.
Prior to Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Nibulon exported nearly 4 million tonnes of grain annually.
Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, the company managed to ship 3.12 million tonnes in 2024, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
In a statement released on March 28, Nibulon highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing naval blockade, which has stranded over 100 vessels and paralyzed maritime trade in southern Ukraine.
The company asserted that reopening these ports must occur in accordance with international law, ensuring free trade and full respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, without any control by the aggressor state.
“We stress there must be no acceptance of Russian control, so-called ‘grain monitoring,’ or any foreign interference in Ukraine’s sovereign trade routes,” the company said.
The blockade has not only hindered the region’s economic recovery but has also exacerbated global food insecurity. As one of Ukraine’s top grain exporters, Nibulon’s operations are vital for both the national economy and international markets.
The United States, in recent weeks, has been trying to broker a ceasefire and peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, holding talks with both sides to try to find common ground, but little progress has been made thus far.
“We appeal to our partners and allies (that) port reopening must occur in line with international law, ensuring free trade, full respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and with no control by the aggressor state,” Nibulon said.
“Ukrainian ports must operate not under foreign conditions, but for Ukraine’s future and the world’s stability. We thank all partners for their strong support. Nibulon stands ready to contribute and cooperate. We keep working. We keep feeding the world — together, in freedom and sovereignty.”
According to Nibulon, the war has taken a significant toll on the company, both financially and personally. In July 2022, the company’s founder, Oleksiy Vadatursky, and his wife were tragically killed when a Russian missile struck their home in Mykolaiv.
Despite confirmed wartime losses amounting to US$500 million, Nibulon has managed to fulfill its obligations by restructuring loan agreements with Ukrainian banks and securing new financing from international financial institutions, including a 15-year loan from the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark.
In 2024, Nibulon reported an EBITDA of US$24.855 million, attributed to strategic reforms, adoption of new technologies, and increased crop yields.
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