The Ministry of Development and the International Maritime Organization are strengthening their partnership to ensure the safety of Ukraine's ports and the waters of the Black and Azov Seas. Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction Alexey Kuleba met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to discuss key aspects of cooperation in maritime safety.

This visit marks Arsenio Dominguez's first trip to Ukraine.

Also present at the meeting were Deputy Ministers, including Alona Shkrum and Andriy Kashuba, along with Ismael Cobos Delgado, Deputy Director of the IMO's Maritime Security Division.

“We are pleased to welcome Secretary-General Dominguez. It is crucial for us to continue our collaborative efforts to ensure shipping safety, preserve human life, and maintain ecological security. Protecting 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 transshipped 109 million tons of cargo, 70 million of which are grain. That includes over 4000 vessels delivering food to Africa, Asia, and Europe. The world relies on us.

It is also important to exert pressure on Russia's shadow tanker fleet, which continues to transport oil worldwide despite sanctions, financing terror and war against Ukraine.

We express our gratitude to the International Maritime Organization for its continuous support of Ukraine. We believe that together we can achieve the main global goal of the IMO: to ensure safe navigation and a high level of protection for those who work at sea,” said Alexey Kuleba.

Alona Shkrum outlined the primary losses in the maritime sector since the full-scale invasion, including 385 destroyed port infrastructure facilities and 31 damaged civil vessels.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of a strong position from the IMO to effectively protect Ukraine's port infrastructure in the future. After the shelling of Odesa port on March 11, when a ballistic missile severely damaged the vessel "MJ PINA" and four Syrian citizens were killed, Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the killings of sailors.

During the meeting, he assured the Ministry team that the IMO is ready for active cooperation and will provide stable support to Ukraine in the future. The parties agreed to maintain contact, with Alexey 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 Zelenskyy approved the Maritime Security Strategy of Ukraine, which includes adhering to international obligations under IMO conventions.

Additionally, Ukraine's strategic plans involve joining several other international conventions related to shipping and maritime safety.

The parties agreed to collaborate under the Ukraine Maritime Transport Recovery Plan, developed in conjunction with the Ministry of Climate of Estonia at the beginning of 2024. The plan is detailed and covers all significant areas of Ukraine's maritime sector, with a total budget of 550 million euros.

Note. The IMO is the main international organization regulating international trade shipping. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, the IMO has made several crucial decisions in support of Ukraine, including suspending Russia's membership in the IMO Council.