Kiev Shipping - Origins

Kiev Shipping Ltd. was founded on the 2nd June 2000 by Konstantin Kalnyi, who transitioned into maritime logistics after working in the gas industry.

"I entered the shipping business from the gas sector in 1998. In June 2000, I founded Kiev Shipping Ltd., registered with the International Maritime Organization under the number 5628543."

Who We Are

Kiev Shipping is involved in:

• Operations Management
• Ship Chartering
• Breakbulk Cargo Handling
• Maritime Consulting
• Maritime Law
• Ship Brokerage
• Dry Bulk Transport
• Tanker Chartering (DPP/CPP/Chemicals)

"Over time, I've developed a deep understanding and appreciation for this business. I've seen it from both sides-as a charterer and as a shipowner-which gave me a rare, practical perspective on the industry's challenges.

I stopped counting long ago how many shipments and vessels I've handled-there have been more than 300. These included vessels carrying chemicals, fertilizers, bagged cement, clinker, corn, wheat, steel, and similar cargoes.

That's why I often share essential insights with potential clients. My goal is always to shorten the distance between the words 'potential' and 'client.'"

Expertise

Konstantin Kalnyi (pictured) brings a wide range of experience to the table:

• Certified for fleet management
• Company's Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
• Inspector of sea and sea-river vessels
• Day-and-night management of sea and river-sea vessels
• Organization of vessel bunkering (fuel, oil, water, provisions)
• Full technical, operational, and commercial management
• Cargo transport across the Azov, Black, and Mediterranean seas
• Operational experience in Africa, South America, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia (including China)
• Shipping of grain, timber, industrial and oversized cargo
• Drafting and signing charters (Synacomex, Gencon)
• Ship and cargo insurance (P&I, Hull & Machinery)
• Sale and purchase of sea and sea-river vessels
• Vessel registration under flags of convenience (Panama, Cook Islands, Moldova)
• Maritime legal consulting and arbitration
• Participation in disputes under LMAA (London) and IAC (Moscow) rules
• Long-standing cooperation with global shipping professionals
• Issuing voyage orders and captain instructions per charter terms
• Port agency payments and disbursement account oversight
• Daily operational supervision of vessels
• Cargo damage and accident analysis
• Legal defense for shipowners in third-party claims
• Extensive experience with general and bulk cargoes (wheat, corn, sugar, iron, coal, etc.)

On Working with Clients

"Shipping is not a field for amateurs. I've heard too many stories from clients who suffered serious financial losses because they trusted so-called 'experts' who weren't qualified.

My relationship with clients is like that between a doctor and a patient. You trust your doctor's advice. But in our industry, some clients come in acting like they've already consulted 'Dr. Google' and want to teach the expert.

It happens-people who think they know everything, yet ignore our guidance. In those cases, I ask: why come to a professional if you won't listen? I simply choose not to work with such 'clients.'

At Kiev Shipping, we take your data and develop a proper shipping strategy-one that accounts for your cargo's nature, port requirements, and local regulations. Many times, we've had to step in and completely rework flawed logistics plans. That's what professionals do."

A Word on "Fairytale" Contracts

"Let me be direct. If you're dealing with fantasy contracts-like Nigerian oil, Russian cement, or Chinese metals-please be realistic. You won't get rich selling imaginary cargo online.

These requests are not just distracting-they waste everyone's time. Please don't ask how much it costs to ship oil from Nigeria to China unless you have a real cargo. Let's not waste time on fairy tales."

Final Thoughts

"Quoting for exotic or unusual destinations is time-consuming. In such cases, we expect the client to at least provide their target freight rate. Without it, there's no reference point, and the person likely remains just a 'potential' client.

To find the right vessel, we need to understand the full picture: the cost of goods, inland transport to the port, loading costs, destination pricing, and, of course, a realistic freight rate. Only then can we match a vessel to your needs."

For all enquiries about cargo shipments, please use the Chartering Enquiry form.