Ukrainian ports operating under fire become model for Gulf countries – Der Spiegel
That is according to the German newspaper Der Spiegel, Ukrinform reports.
"Our international partners are now very interested in our experience… The experience we have gained here in Ukraine has no parallel," said Dmytro Barinov, head of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority.
Ukraine's experience is now attracting interest from port operators in Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, amid threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the newspaper, after Russia partially blocked the Black Sea at the start of the full-scale invasion, 130 cargo ships were stranded in Ukrainian ports, and millions of tonnes of grain could not be exported. In 2022, a grain deal brokered by the United Nations and Turkey allowed partial resumption of shipping. Russia later withdrew from the agreement, but Ukraine managed to restore maritime routes on its own.
Since the summer of 2023, Ukraine's grain corridor – running closer to the coastline – has been in operation, enabling exports. At the same time, port operations continue under the constant threat of attacks.
To minimize risks, strict rules for vessel entry and exit have been introduced, operating hours have been limited, and alternative communication channels are being used due to the threat of cyberattacks.
"Ship handling now takes place under stricter regulations. Ukrainian military personnel inspect vessels 10-12 nautical miles from the port. Entry and exit are carried out within designated time windows. Ships can no longer remain at anchor for weeks, as they did before the war. After large-scale cyberattacks, some communication has even been switched back to fax," the report reads.
It also notes that the threat of sea mines has been partially mitigated through floating net barriers. To protect personnel, mobile concrete shelters have been installed, and operations are halted during air raid alerts.
Andrey Stavnitser, head of port operator TIS, said that up to 30% of working time is lost due to air raid sirens. According to him, the company is investing in its own air defense systems to protect infrastructure from Russian drones.
As reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine was ready to cooperate with Middle Eastern countries on protecting airspace from Iranian-made Shahed drones.
Photo: Odesa Regional Military Administration
