Enhancing Navigation Safety in Ukrainian Waters
A significant meeting took place in Izmail between representatives of the State Enterprise «Administration of Seaports of Ukraine» and a delegation from the European Commission focused on mobility and transport (MOVE) and the Danube Commission.
The delegation included Alan Baron, leader of the «Solidarity Routes» team from the European Commission, Ina Miskulin from the EC's General Directorate for Mobility and Transport, and Antonio Stoyan, an expert from the Danube Commission.
The main topic of discussion was the safety of navigation in the Black Sea and the Danube. The parties examined the operation of the Ukrainian mouth «Bystre» and the Romanian Sulina Canal, as well as mechanisms to be included in the Rapid Response Plan for unforeseen situations currently being developed in collaboration with the European Commission.
Special attention was given to the potential for increasing cargo handling in Danube ports and the development of port infrastructure.
The Ukrainian delegation expressed gratitude to the European and Danube Commissions for their prompt support following the incident involving the vessel «Ingulskiy» in the approach channel of the «Bystre» mouth. The AMP noted the importance of ongoing cooperation with international partners to effectively respond to challenges, maintain navigation stability, and develop port infrastructure amid the war.
As a result of the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their mutual interest in developing the Danube region's infrastructure and agreed to continue regular dialogue on navigation safety and the optimization of transport routes.
