MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION AS A TOOL FOR INCREASING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF ENTERPRISES IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines multimodal transportation as a strategic instrument for enhancing the competitiveness of Ukrainian enterprises under the conditions of transformation of export logistics in 2021–2024. The research is актуалізоване through the reconfiguration of traditional transport routes, partial blockade of seaports, increased logistics costs, and the need to integrate Ukraine into the European transport network. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the economic efficiency and strategic importance of multimodal logistics solutions based on real statistical data and analytical indicators of Ukraine’s transport and export performance. The paper analyzes the dynamics of cargo transshipment through Danube ports, the development of alternative export corridors within the framework of the EU initiative “Solidarity Lanes,” and changes in logistics costs and delivery time. It is established that in 2022–2023 the volume of cargo handled by Danube ports increased several times compared to 2021, becoming a key compensatory mechanism for maintaining export flows. The study demonstrates that the integration of rail, road, river, and maritime transport within a single logistics chain significantly reduces transport risks, optimizes costs, and increases the adaptability of supply chains. Special attention is paid to the economic, organizational, and infrastructural determinants of multimodal development. The research confirms that combining cost-efficient transport modes allows enterprises to decrease logistics expenses by 15–30%, shorten delivery periods, and diversify geopolitical and operational risks. Environmental advantages of multimodal schemes are also highlighted, as rail and river transport generate substantially lower CO₂ emissions compared to road transport, which corresponds to EU sustainability requirements. The article identifies key barriers to the development of multimodal transportation in Ukraine, including insufficient port and river infrastructure, overloaded border crossings, limited digitalization of logistics processes, and incomplete integration into TEN-T corridors. It is argued that further development of multimodal logistics requires investment in infrastructure modernization, digital coordination platforms, and public-private partnership mechanisms. The findings prove that multimodal transportation has become one of the fundamental instruments for stabilizing export activity, strengthening the resilience of supply chains, and improving the competitive position of Ukrainian enterprises in the global economic environment. Prospects for further research include economic modeling of optimal multimodal routes and the development of digital management tools for integrated logistics systems.