Ukraine and IMO agreed to strengthen cooperation: what was agreed upon

The key topics of the negotiations were the safety of shipping in the Black Sea, increased international pressure on the Russian Federation and the expansion of technical assistance to Ukraine.

As part of the 34th session of the IMO Assembly in London, a bilateral meeting of the Ukrainian delegation with IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez took place. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Development.

The Ukrainian delegation informed the IMO about the consequences of Russia’s systematic attacks on port infrastructure: destroyed grain terminals, oil depots, elevators, ship repair plants and hydraulic structures.

Despite this, Ukraine ensures the stable operation of the Black Sea Maritime Corridor, which has become a key route for the export of food and critical cargo.

Special attention was paid to the threats from illegal shipping operations of the Russian Federation. The Ukrainian side supported the decision of the IMO Council to create a Correspondence Group to counter illegal maritime practices, flag falsification and ship registration falsification.

Ukrainian experts have already joined the group. They will work on developing international instruments to limit Russia’s ability to circumvent sanctions.

Ukraine also called for increased coordination between IMO member states — harmonizing sanctions, strengthening accountability of shipowners and financial intermediaries, and expanding the use of satellite monitoring, drones, and legal mechanisms for maritime control.

The parties also agreed on details of IMO technical assistance to Ukraine, including the physical presence of IMO experts in the country. The program, implemented with the support of the United Kingdom, France, and the European Commission, includes:

• assessment of needs for the restoration of maritime infrastructure;

• implementation of the Maritime Single Window system;

• training of Ukrainian specialists in responding to oil spills;

• development of a National Action Plan for the Protection of the Marine Environment.

Read also: Tankers of the Russian “shadow fleet” continue to spill oil in the seas of Europe, – investigation.