EBA calls on the Government to resume the operation of the Mykolaiv port

The European Business Association has appealed to the Ukrainian government to resume the operation of the Mykolaiv Sea Port as soon as possible.

Representatives of Ukrainian business have appealed to the Cabinet of Ministers with a request to resume the operation of the Mykolaiv Port, which has been blocked since the beginning of the full-scale war. This was reported by USM in the EBA.

According to experts, the involvement of this port will reduce the burden on the Odesa region, increase overall export volumes and ease the pressure on freight rates. The Association also asks to organize the evacuation of vessels that have been in the waters of the Mykolaiv Port for a long time without the possibility of exit.

At the same time, in order to guarantee the uninterrupted operation of ports, business requires the state to implement additional measures to protect ports and their critical infrastructure. In particular, this concerns the need for anti-drone defense, warning systems and physical fortification of facilities.

To resume shipping in safe conditions, the Association suggests considering the possibility of demining certain areas of the water area. This is especially true for routes that are key for the export of grain and other agricultural goods.

Business representatives also ask to allow ships to wait in internal ports of the Odessa region (for example, in the port of Pivdennyi), and not only at the entrance to the Sulina Canal. This will reduce the load on the raid zones, avoid congestion and speed up the turnover of ships.

Another strategic goal, according to the business, should be the restoration of security and the gradual return of the Kherson port to logistics chains. This requires not only engineering strengthening, but also political will.

The EBA also draws attention to operational problems, in particular, cases when the status of Ukrainian seafarers changes in the state bases “Rezerv+” and “Oberig” after the ships enter the ports. This leads to the removal of crews from voyages and disruption of the work schedules of ports and stevedoring companies. Business calls for the abolition of re-inspections for seafarers who have already passed the control in order to avoid bureaucratic delays.

The business community also expresses interest in restoring the pre-war shipping regime, in particular along old routes that were recognized as safe before the start of the full-scale invasion. This could significantly reduce freight and insurance costs, which directly affects the value of Ukrainian exports and their competitiveness.

The EBA emphasized that they support the government of Ukraine and international partners in maintaining stable exports, but calls for an open dialogue on the implementation of additional solutions in the field of maritime logistics. Business is ready to discuss specific proposals and jointly develop solutions for adapting maritime infrastructure to war conditions.

Recently, USM reported that the first ship of the year with coal from the United States for Metinvest arrived in Ukraine.