USPA will purchase an ice-class tugboat as part of an international project

The photo is illustrative

SE “USPA” announced the first procurement within the framework of the international project RELINC.

This was reported by the state enterprise “Ukrainian Sea Ports Administration”.

“This is an important stage in the implementation of a large-scale initiative, on which long and systematic work was carried out. In conditions of war, Ukraine continues to modernize critical infrastructure, and this procurement is a strategic decision that opens up new opportunities for the development of the port industry,” the USPA noted.

This concerns the purchase of an ice-class tugboat, which will be operated within the port of Reni. It will provide maneuvering of barges in the water areas of the ports of Reni and Izmail, perform fire and rescue operations, assist vessels in the winter period and participate in environmental protection measures.

Currently, the USPA does not have tugboats of this class on its balance sheet. The expected cost of the vessel is also not specified.

The USPA emphasized that the RELINC project (“Restoration of Critical Logistics Infrastructure and Network Connectivity”) covers not only the purchase of a specialized port fleet, but also the modernization of transshipment equipment and the implementation of modern technological solutions for effective shipping management.

“This will allow increasing the throughput capacity of Ukrainian ports, strengthening logistics capabilities and making river transportation more environmentally friendly. Redirecting part of cargo flows from roads to water transport will contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions and reducing the load on road infrastructure,” the Ukrainian Sea Ports Administration said.

It should be noted that the purchase is taking place within the framework of the Grant Agreement of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Support, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform of Ukraine, signed between Ukraine and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

As previously reported by USM, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Administration has selected a company to service vessels in 2025 for over UAH 3 million.