European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has acknowledged its availability in financing infrastructure projects in Ukraine, in particular projects of PJS Ukrzaliznitsia, and increasing investments volumes.
As informed by Press Office of Ukrzaliznitsia, corresponding issues have been discussed at the meeting of the newly appointed First Vice President of EBRD Jurgen Rigterink with Ukraine’s transport industry managers on 14 June.
According to Ukrzaliznitsia Acting Chairman of Board Ievhen Kravtsov, there is a number of important projects realised in collaboration with EBRD, such as construction of Beskids Tunnel, purchase of rolling stock, introduction of high-speed rail connection in Ukraine.
“In 2018-2019 another joint project of Ukrzaliznitsia and EBRD is to be effected – purchase of 7,000 cargo railcars. The next step of our cooperation will be starting electrification of the railway line Dolinska – Mykolaiv – Kolosivka. Also, along with the bank we reform our corporation management system”, noted I. Kravtsov.
Mr. Rigterink stressed on Ukrzaliznitsia’s importance for EBRD as a large and reliable customer. “It’s nine weeks only that I am in the office of EBRD First Vice President, and the fact that I am visiting Ukraine shows the significance of our collaboration and joint projects. We are concerned in deeper cooperation and larger investments”, he remarked.
As was noted by Kravtsov, electrification of Dolinska – Mykolaiv – Kolosivka railway line should begin this year. “This is a paramount infrastructure project aimed at energy saving and the company’s power efficiency. In particular, building of the second track and electrification of Dolinska – Mykolaiv line is suggested, which would enable us to increase the cargo trains’ local speed by 20-25%, reduce cargo delivery terms and substantially lessen operational expenses. All the works totally worth €350M are envisaged to be finished in 2021”, he advised.
As Mr Kravtsov continued, Ukrzaliznitsia figures on further cooperation with EBRD on attraction of credit funds in the infrastructure development, purchase of locomotives and railcars, erection of logistic hubs.
J. Rigterink informed at the meeting with Prime Minister Volodymyr Groisman that EBRD works out the its Ukraine activities 5-year plan now.
EBRD is a major international finance investor in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the bank’s activities in the country in 1993, its aggregated liabilities embrace almost €12.2Bn in 377 projects. Now EBRD funds several projects in the port and infrastructure sectors of Ukraine, including construction of grain terminal for the global raw stuff trader Cargill in the sea port Yuzhny.
EBRD plans to realise in Ukraine around 25-30 new projects of funding in 2018. Out of this total number the transport field would gain some 3-4 projects for €100-200M. EBRD in 2017 enlarged the volume of investments in Ukraine as compared to 2016 by 37% i.e. up to €800M.
Source: https://ports.com.ua/news/ebrr-podtverdil-gotovnost-finansirovat-infrastrukturnye-proekty-v-ukraine