The birth of the port of Mariupol was a logical continuation of rapid development of the industrial Russian South in the second half of 19th century.

The shallow wharf in the mouth of the Kalmius River did not meet the development requirements of the fleet along with those of the mining and metallurgical industry of Donets basin (Donbas).

In 1886 construction began for a deepwater port in Mariupol, near Zintseva balka (locality).

On 26 May 2022, following closure during the Siege of Mariupol, Russia reopened the port to commercial vessels following naval mine removal.

[4] The first bulk carrier, carrying grain, was reportedly loaded by the Donetsk People's Republic in 2023 to be exported.

In June 2024, the city's exiled mayor, Vadym Boychenko, said that a Russian tanker had entered the port for the first time since its capture, and that it was being used for military use.