To provide for Zmiinyi: the refrigerated vessel “Kosatka” is being prepared for return to service
28.05.2026 - 11:49
The vessel, which previously provided the operation of Zmiinyi Island, is planned to be transferred to the ownership of the communities of the Odesa region to restore the island’s infrastructure after de-occupation.
This is reported by the Bessarabia INFORM.
The Odesa Regional Council has prepared a draft decision on the transfer of the refrigerated vessel “Kosatka” from the structure of the Izmail District Military Administration to the joint ownership of the territorial communities of the region. After the transfer, the vessel is planned to be used to restore and provide the infrastructure of Zmiinyi Island.
“Kosatka” was built in 1980. From 2004 to 2021, the vessel operated on bareboat charter terms to deliver cargo, fuel, and provide border guards and scientists on Zmiinyi Island.
After the contract expired and the start of a full-scale war, the vessel was actually left without active operation. Since 2023, the Izmail RVA has become the official shipowner.
“Kosatka” is currently in Vylkovo. According to local authorities, just keeping the ship in the dock costs the budget about UAH 99,000 per year. The market value of the ship is estimated at over UAH 12 million. Another UAH 850,000 is the cost of the equipment on board.
After the transfer, the ship will be managed by the Ostrivne municipal enterprise. At the same time, the documents separately state that the ship cannot be privatized.
However, before returning to work, the Kosatka must undergo a procedure for restoring documents and classification. Due to the lack of a mandatory annual inspection, the Ukrainian Shipping Register has removed the ship’s class, and there are currently no valid classification documents.
To return the ship to service, it is necessary to undergo a dock inspection, restore the classification certificate, and re-register documents in the maritime register. Control over the implementation of the project will be entrusted to the specialized commissions of the Odesa Regional Council.
Earlier, USM reported that the last defender of Zmiinyi Island (Snake Island) has returned home.
