The European Business Association has expressed support for the initiative to direct funds obtained from port fees towards enhancing the security of maritime infrastructure during martial law. Business representatives emphasize the need to create a transparent and understandable mechanism for all market participants regarding the use of these funds.
This is reported by Finway
“Sea ports remain a key element of Ukrainian logistics and foreign trade. That is why their physical protection during the war directly affects the stability of supplies and the operation of exporters.”
Transparency and clarity of the funding mechanism
The business community points to the necessity of refining the legislative initiative that envisages the use of port fees for security funding. Among the key issues are the identification of the specific type of port fee that will be directed towards these goals, as well as the delineation of powers between the Administration of Sea Ports of Ukraine, military structures, and businesses. It is also important to establish the procedure for coordination between the state and private companies and to ensure transparent control over the use of funding.
Need for guarantees and focus on effective models
The EBA recommends considering effective models already applied in state projects to strengthen air defense involving the private sector when refining the draft law. This approach, according to the association, promotes effective interaction between the military, government bodies, and enterprises.
Companies specifically call for guarantees that will prevent the forced imposition of departmental paramilitary security services on businesses. At the same time, the EBA emphasizes that security solutions should not create obstacles to the stable operation of ports and logistics chains. Association representatives expressed their readiness to participate in further refining the draft law together with the relevant parliamentary committee.
It is worth noting that Ukrainian sea ports have recently faced an oversaturation of grain terminals, complicating the timely fulfillment of foreign economic contracts. The reason for this is the concentration of large volumes of cargo in a limited number of ports, resulting in the infrastructure being unable to process the flow in time.