More than 40 international port operators and investors from four continents have expressed interest in the concession project at Ukraine's Port of Chornomorsk, reported Kiev's Ukraine Business News.

The Ministry of Development said the public-private partnership aims to attract hundreds of millions of dollars for berth and equipment upgrades, while generating over US$1.1 billion in revenue across 40 years.

The plan includes preserving over 1,000 jobs with social guarantees and wage increases, restoring container throughput to 250,000 TEU annually within three years, and eventually reaching pre-war levels of over 500,000 TEU.

The first meeting of the tender commission has been held, launching the investor selection process. Consultants from the EBRD and IFC outlined investment terms, competitive steps, and qualification criteria.

Ukraine expects to announce a concession competition for the container and first terminals at Chornomorsk port by December.