Strengthening Maritime Security Cooperation in Ukraine
The Ministry of Community Development and the International Maritime Organization are enhancing their collaboration to ensure the security of Ukraine's ports and waterways. Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction Oleksii Kuleba met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to discuss key priorities for safeguarding navigation in the Black and Azov Seas.
This marks Arsenio Dominguez's first visit to Ukraine.
Also present at the meeting were First Deputy Minister Aliona Shkrum, Deputy Minister Andrii Kashuba, and IMO Deputy Director of Maritime Security Ismael Cobos Delgado.
“We are pleased to welcome Secretary-General Dominguez. It is crucial for us to continue our joint efforts in ensuring safe navigation and protecting lives. Safeguarding our ports is vital not only for our economic stability but also for global food security. Since the launch of the Ukrainian Maritime Corridor, we have handled 109 million tons of cargo, including 70 million tons of grain. This involves over 4000 vessels delivering food to Africa, Asia, and Europe. The world relies on us.
We must also apply pressure on Russia's shadow tanker fleet, which continues to transport oil globally despite sanctions, funding terrorism and war against Ukraine.
I would like to thank the International Maritime Organization for their ongoing support for Ukraine. We believe that together we can achieve the main global goal of the IMO: to ensure safe navigation and high levels of protection for those working at sea,” said Oleksii Kuleba.
Aliona Shkrum outlined the major losses in the maritime sector since the full-scale invasion, including 385 destroyed port infrastructure facilities and 31 affected civilian vessels.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of a strong stance from the IMO to better protect Ukraine's port infrastructure in the future. Following the attacks on Odesa port on March 11, which severely damaged the vessel "MJ PINA" and resulted in the deaths of four Syrian citizens, Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the killings of seafarers.
During the meeting, he assured the Ministry of Community Development that the IMO is ready for active cooperation and will continue to support Ukraine in the future. The parties agreed to maintain contact, with Oleksii Kuleba inviting the Secretary-General of the IMO to the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome in July 2025. It is worth noting that in July 2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky approved the Maritime Security Strategy of Ukraine, which aims to uphold Ukraine's international obligations under IMO conventions.
Ukraine's strategic plans also include joining several other international conventions related to navigation and maritime security.
The parties agreed to cooperate within the framework of the Ukrainian Maritime Transport Recovery Plan, developed jointly with the Estonian Ministry of Climate at the beginning of 2024. The plan is detailed and covers all critical aspects of Ukraine's maritime sector, with a total budget of €550 million.
Note: 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, including suspending Russia's membership in the IMO Council and halting its participation in any IMO technical cooperation activities.
