Danube Shipping Company has been granted UAH 100 million to repay debts to seafarers, — MTWTUU

The interest-free refundable assistance will be provided by the port of Pivdennyi — the funds will go to repay the salary arrears that have been accumulating to the seafarers since September 2025.

The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company may receive UAH 100 million in financial assistance. This was reported by the Trade Union of Maritime Transport Workers of Ukraine (MTWTUU).

This is an interest-free refundable financial assistance from the commercial port of Pivdennyi. Back in January 2026, the management of the UDS applied to the port and received preliminary consent, however, the approval of the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories is required to provide funds.

The issue of UDS support was considered at the IX Congress of the MTWTUU — delegates supported the appeal to the Minister for Development of Communities and Territories Oleksiy Kuleba to approve the assistance. As the trade union learned, the Ministry made a positive decision. Official confirmation from the Ministry of Development or the port of Pivdennyi has not yet been made public.

According to the trade union, the funds will allow to repay salary arrears, make payments to seafarers, stop the outflow of qualified personnel and help the company restore its position in the freight market.

The company has been in an acute financial crisis for a long time. According to the primary trade union organization UDS, salaries have not been paid to employees since February 2026, and debts to seafarers have been accumulating since September 2025. Since January 2025 alone, the company has lost more than 120 seafarers.

Earlier this month, USM wrote that UDS is preparing a large-scale sale of assets – in particular, more than 70 vessels.