An Arab investor who was lost in Pivdennyi switched to Russia

Dubai Port World, which is considered one of the world's largest port operators, has left the Ukrainian market, namely the Pivdennyi port in Odesa region, and finally switched to Russia.

This was reported by the Yevropeiska Pravda publication.

DPW, headquartered in Dubai, acquired a 51% stake in the TransinvestService (TIS) container terminal in Pivdennyi port in 2020 and was considered one of the largest foreign direct investments in Ukraine's transport sector at the time. Prior to entering the terminal, DPW's subsidiary P&O Maritime acquired a controlling stake in LB Shipping, a Ukrainian company set up to manage tugs at Pivdennyi, through a Dutch firm.

The DPW wanted to get a state-owned fleet of tugs that served the port of Odesa. For 12 tugs, DPW offered $50 million, which was to be paid over ten years, but was not forthcoming.

However, after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the company became a toxic partner for TIS, despite the profitability of the relationship, and TIS Group bought out a 51 percent stake in the container terminal and the tug business. As Ivan Nyakyi, CEO of Olir Resources, explained to the publication, the Arab company did not wind down its business in Russia and was included in the list of war sponsors compiled by the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption.

In March 2026, it became known that DPW would create a company in partnership with Rosatom Corporation. The Russians will control 51%, and the deal is estimated to be worth 145-160 billion rubles, or $180-200 million.

DPW will invest funds, and Rosatom's contribution will be FESCO assets, the main one being PJSC Far Eastern Shipping Company (FESCO). Rosatom includes the FESCO transportation group, which includes the shipping company. FESCO also operates the Vladivostok Commercial Sea Port.

Negotiations on this agreement began eight years ago, but it was not until later that they came to a substantive discussion. In 2023, the International Container Logistics JV was established, but there was no talk of investment at the time - it was created for project work. In November 2025, Rosatom announced new negotiations with DPW.

According to the EP, the entry of a foreign investor has not affected the Ukrainian market and the Pivdennyi container terminal. Significant investments in the development of this terminal were made before DPW came in. Another plus is the development of rail container traffic with dry ports.

Кирило Бойко