Mutual cooperation at the heart of the agreement
USPA is the overarching port authority for 14 ports in Ukraine, of which 7 are currently still under its own management. The remaining ports are located in occupied territories.
This new MoU marks an important step in the cooperation between the ports. Both parties commit to exchanging knowledge, experience and support. “We want not only to share knowledge, but also to learn from each other,” said the signatories Kristof Waterschoot (Port of Antwerp-Bruges International) and Mykola Kravchuk (USPA).
The cooperation focuses on strengthening maritime transport connections and logistics corridors between the ports. In addition, the parties will exchange expertise on port management, efficiency, competitiveness, safety and environmental protection. The modernisation and reconstruction of port infrastructure, including potential investments and public-private partnerships, are also on the agenda.
The context in which Ukrainian ports operate remains challenging. Of the 14 ports under the USPA umbrella, only 7 are currently under its own management; the others are located in occupied territories. Therefore, resilience and the continuity of port operations during times of war and crisis receive particular attention in the agreement.
Finally, APEC will organise training programmes, workshops and study visits to support the staff of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority and strengthen their knowledge.
With this new MoU, the partners aim not only to strengthen economic ties, but also to jointly build a resilient and future-oriented port sector.
Kristof Waterschoot, Managing Director Port of Antwerp-Bruges International: “With this agreement, we want to play an active role in shaping the future of Ukrainian ports. By sharing our knowledge and experience, we contribute to reconstruction and future resilience, while at the same time learning from their resilience and approach in difficult circumstances
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Matthias Diependaele, Flemish Minister-President: “Flanders stands with Ukraine. Not only with words, but through concrete cooperation: sharing knowledge, strengthening infrastructure and building new economic connections. Ports are more than links in trade. They are lifelines for a country that is resisting today and must rebuild tomorrow. With this agreement, we are deploying Flemish port expertise to make Ukrainian ports more resilient and to strengthen Ukraine’s connection with Europe and the world.
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