Kiev Shipping – Origins

Kiev Shipping – About Us

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

“I entered the shipping business in 1998 after leaving the gas sector. In June 2000, I established Kiev Shipping Ltd., which was officially registered with the International Maritime Organization under number 5628543.”

Kiev Shipping – About Us

Kiev Shipping Ltd. provides a wide range of services in the maritime logistics field, including:

  • Ship Chartering Services
  • Breakbulk and Dry Bulk Cargoes
  • Operations Management
  • Tanker Chartering (CPP/DPP/Chemicals)
  • Maritime Law and Arbitration
  • Maritime Consulting
  • Ship Brokerage

“Over the years, I’ve grown to truly understand and appreciate this industry. I’ve been on both sides—chartering cargo and operating vessels. This dual perspective gave me deep insight into the complexities of sea freight. I’ve long since lost count of the number of shipments I’ve handled or vessels I’ve chartered—well over 300 by now. These included chemicals, fertilizers, bagged cement, clinker, corn, wheat, steel, and more.
That’s why, as the head of a shipping company and a maritime logistics professional, I always try to share meaningful information with potential clients. My goal is to minimize the distance between the word ‘potential’ and ‘client’.”

Expertise

Konstantin Kalnyi (pictured) has extensive professional experience, including:

  • Company certification for fleet management
  • Serving as the company’s Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
  • Inspector for sea and sea-river vessels
  • 24/7 management of river and sea vessels
  • Coordinating bunkering with fuel, oil, water, and provisions
  • Full technical, commercial, and operational vessel management
  • Cargo transportation throughout the Azov, Black, and Mediterranean Seas
  • Regular operations in Africa, South America, the Persian Gulf, Southeast Asia, and China
  • Experience with bulk and general cargoes including grain, timber, industrial equipment, and oversized items
  • Coordination and execution of charter parties (Synacomex and Gencon)
  • P&I and H&M insurance for ships and cargo
  • Vessel sale and purchase
  • Fleet registration under flags of convenience (Panama, Cook Islands, Moldova)
  • Expertise in maritime law and international arbitration (LMAA and IAC Moscow)
  • Long-standing partnerships worldwide
  • Daily vessel operations, voyage orders, disbursement account management
  • Analysis and resolution of cargo damage and maritime incidents
  • Legal defense for shipowners in case of third-party claims
  • Successful hands-on experience in dry bulk cargoes (wheat, corn, sugar, iron, coal, etc.)

“It’s crucial to work with real professionals in shipping. Unfortunately, there are plenty of amateurs out there. I’ve heard too many stories from clients who suffered serious losses because someone they trusted simply didn’t know what they were doing.
I often compare my relationship with clients to that of a doctor and patient. When we go to the doctor, we trust their expertise and follow their advice. But sometimes, patients rely too much on ‘Dr. Google’ and come to the consultation thinking they know better.
The same happens in shipping. Clients come to me convinced they know it all—and refuse to listen. In such cases, I have to ask: why come to a professional at all if you won’t follow their recommendations? I choose not to work with that kind of client.”


On Unrealistic Inquiries

“Let me also address something important. Please don’t waste your time—or mine—with imaginary deals about oil from Nigeria, cement from Russia, or metal from China. No one becomes a millionaire selling Nigerian oil online. I receive too many inquiries based on unrealistic, non-existent contracts. These are distracting and unproductive.
Please be serious and practical. Don’t tell me fantasy stories and then ask, ‘How much would it cost to ship oil from Nigeria to China?’ That’s not how the shipping industry works.”

Final Thoughts

“Quoting freight for obscure destinations is time-consuming. In such cases, we expect the charterer to have a realistic idea of the expected freight level. If the client can’t even provide that, chances are they’ll remain a ‘potential’ client.
When we know the cost of the goods, land transport to port, port handling charges, and target sale price, we can work with that data to find the right vessel and arrange a workable shipping plan.
That’s where Kiev Shipping comes in. We know how to analyze every link in the logistics chain—from production to final delivery—and deliver reliable, informed solutions.”