Ukraine is reinforcing its maritime safety, security, trade and environmental protection capacity as it continues to operate the Special Maritime Corridor in the Black Sea.
An inception workshop held in Lviv, Ukraine (8-10 September) launched the implementation of an IMO project funded by the United Kingdom, France and the European Union, in line with IMO Assembly resolution A.1183(33).
The project, "Enhancing Maritime Safety, Security, Environmental Protection and Trade Facilitation as Ukraine continues to operate the Special Maritime Corridor in the Black Sea", supports Ukraine's implementation of relevant IMO instruments and helps ensure the safe and secure operation of the corridor.
The event brought together representatives of Ukrainian ministries, public authorities and State-owned entities across the maritime and inland waterway sectors, the United Kingdom, France and the European Union, IMO and technical experts.
Establishing technical cooperation to support Ukraine
The project is based on a needs assessment conducted in consultation with Ukraine and contributing Member States, as requested by the IMO Assembly. The assessment identified three priority areas:
- assessing priority maritime safety infrastructure and equipment needs;
- strengthening marine pollution preparedness and response capacity; and
- facilitating maritime traffic.
Together, these three components will contribute to the safe, secure and efficient operation of Ukraine's Special Maritime Corridor.
Aligning priorities for project implementation
Workshop participants reviewed the project's objectives, expected results and implementation arrangements. The discussions clarified roles and responsibilities, expectations and working relationships between the project partners. Participants also developed a risk and mitigation matrix to support the delivery of planned activities.
The workshop laid the groundwork for activities on marine pollution preparedness and response, as well as measures to facilitate maritime traffic.
"This special maritime corridor requires a higher level of protection of human life and the environment. The direction by the IMO Assembly to assist Ukraine, together with the sincere discussions held in Lviv, provide an effective means of addressing these needs," said Mr. Yaroslav Iliasevych, Head of the Maritime and Inland Water Transport Department of the Ministry of Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine.
"This workshop marked an important transition for the practical implementation of the Project's activities. Our discussions over the three days have provided a clear way forward and will guide our efforts towards achieving the objectives of the Project," added Mr. Jose Matheickal, Director of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division of IMO.
Next phase of implementation
The next phase will deliver comprehensive capacity-building and technical assistance to support the development of a national contingency plan and marine pollution legislation.
Finally, a workshop will be dedicated to the implementation of the Facilitation Convention and the strengthening of port clearance procedures.
