Ukraine enhances maritime safety and Special Maritime Corridor operations

Ukraine is bolstering its maritime safety, security, trade, and environmental protection capabilities while operating the Special Maritime Corridor in the Black Sea. This initiative aligns with the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly resolution A.1183(33), funded by the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union.

Ukraine, alongside public authorities and state-owned entities, joined the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union, as well as IMO, in a workshop held in Lviv from September 8-10.

The workshop initiated a project aimed at enhancing maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and trade facilitation. This project supports Ukraine's implementation of relevant IMO instruments, ensuring the safe and secure operation of the Special Maritime Corridor. The event gathered representatives from various Ukrainian sectors, the United Kingdom, France, the European Union, IMO, and technical experts.

The project's foundation lies in a needs assessment conducted in consultation with Ukraine and contributing Member States. The assessment identified three primary areas for improvement: identifying priority maritime safety infrastructure and equipment needs, strengthening marine pollution preparedness and response capacity, and facilitating maritime traffic. These components will collectively contribute to the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the Special Maritime Corridor.

During the workshop, participants reviewed the project's objectives, expected results, and implementation arrangements. They discussed roles and responsibilities, expectations, and working relationships among the partners. Additionally, a risk and mitigation matrix was developed to support the delivery of planned activities. The workshop set the stage for activities focused on marine pollution preparedness and response, as well as measures to facilitate maritime traffic.

Ukraine's Maritime and Inland Water Transport Department Head, Mr. Yaroslav Iliasevych, emphasized the importance of higher protection for human life and the environment. He expressed that the IMO Assembly's assistance, combined with the discussions held in Lviv, provided an effective means of addressing these needs. IMO Director of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, Mr. Jose Matheickal, highlighted the workshop's role in guiding efforts towards achieving the project's objectives.

The next phase will deliver capacity-building and technical assistance to develop a national contingency plan, establish marine pollution legislation, and implement the Facilitation Convention and strengthen port clearance procedures.