Strengthening Maritime Security Cooperation in Ukraine
The Ministry of Development and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) are actively enhancing the security of Ukraine's seaports and the waters of the Black and Azov Seas. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to discuss key areas of collaboration for improving maritime safety in the region.
This is Arsenio Dominguez's first visit to Ukraine.
Also present at the meeting were First Deputy Minister Alona Shkrum, Deputy Minister Andriy Kashuba, and Deputy Director of the IMO Maritime Safety Division Ismael Kobos Delgado.
“I am pleased to welcome Secretary-General Dominguez to Ukraine. It is crucial for us to continue working together to ensure the safety of navigation and environmental stability. Protecting ports is vital not only for our economic stability but also for global food security. Since the launch of the Ukrainian maritime corridor, 109 million tons of cargo have been transported, including 70 million tons of grain. More than 4,000 vessels are delivering food to Africa, Asia, and Europe,” Kuleba emphasized.
He also highlighted the need to exert pressure on Russia's shadow tanker fleet, which continues to transport oil globally despite sanctions, funding terrorism.
“I thank the IMO for its support for Ukraine. We hope for joint efforts to achieve the primary goal of the IMO: ensuring safe navigation and protecting seafarers,” he stated.
Alona Shkrum discussed the maritime sector's losses since the onset of the war, specifically mentioning 385 damaged port infrastructure facilities.
She emphasized the need for a strong IMO stance to better protect Ukraine's port infrastructure in the future.
Following the shelling of the Odesa port on March 11, where a vessel was severely damaged and four Syrian nationals lost their lives, Secretary-General Dominguez condemned the killing of sailors.
He assured that the IMO is ready for active cooperation and assistance to Ukraine. Oleksiy Kuleba invited him to the Ukraine Recovery Conference scheduled for July 2025 in Rome.
It is worth noting that in July 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky approved the Maritime Security Strategy, which includes the fulfillment of Ukraine's international obligations.
Additionally, Ukraine plans to join other international conventions related to navigation.
The parties also agreed to collaborate on the Maritime Transport Recovery Plan developed jointly with the Estonian Ministry of Climate. The budget for this plan is set at 550 million euros.
For reference: The IMO is the main international organization regulating international trade shipping. Since the full-scale invasion, the IMO has made several important decisions to support Ukraine.
