The ports of Odesa and maritime routes in the Black Sea have received enhanced protection through international support. The Netherlands and Belgium have delivered two mine sweepers to Ukraine, which will bolster the security of Odesa’s ports and maritime corridors, crucial for the Ukrainian economy.

This was announced by the press service of the Dutch Ministry of Defense. The Belgian mine sweeper BNS Narcis and the Dutch Zr.Ms. Vlaardingen have been formally transferred to Ukraine during a ceremony at the Belgian naval base in Zeebrugge. This significant event has only been reported now for operational security reasons.

"The ports of Odesa and maritime routes in the Black Sea are vital arteries of the Ukrainian economy. And this artery is constantly under threat. Ukraine may not win the war at sea, but it can certainly lose it. We cannot allow that to happen," stated Dutch Minister of Defense Reuben Brekelmans.

Symbolic Names for the Vessels

The vessel Zr. Ms. Vlaardingen will now bear the name of the Ukrainian city Melitopol. Additionally, at the end of 2025, the ship Zr. Ms. Makkum will be transferred and named after the Ukrainian city Henichesk. Both cities are currently illegally occupied by Russian aggressors, which adds a special symbolic significance to this event.

The transfer of the vessels was the result of close cooperation between Ukraine, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Even before the official transfer of the first two ships, new Ukrainian crews underwent intensive training. Experienced Belgian and Dutch instructors, technicians, and maintenance teams shared their years of expertise in handling such vessels.

Mine sweepers are critical for the protection of Odesa's ports and the Black Sea coastline. Odesa port remains one of Ukraine's most important maritime gateways, through which significant volumes of cargo, including grain and other agricultural products, pass. Russian naval mines pose a constant threat to commercial vessels attempting to reach Odesa's ports.