Ukrainian seaports, which continue to operate even under the constant threat of attacks, have become a model for port operators in the Gulf countries. Representatives from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are actively studying the Ukrainian experience in organizing safe shipping operations amid increasing threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
This is reported by Finway
How Ukraine Ensures Port Operations During War
After Russia partially blocked the Black Sea at the beginning of the full-scale war, over 130 cargo ships became stranded in Ukrainian ports, and millions of tons of grain could not be exported. In 2022, a grain agreement was brokered by the UN and Turkey, which partially restored shipping. However, after Russia withdrew from this agreement, Ukraine independently established maritime routes, opening its own grain corridor in the summer of 2023, which runs closer to the coast and allows for the export of goods even under fire.
“Our international partners are very interested in our experience right now… The experience we have gained here in Ukraine is unparalleled,” said Dmitry Barinov, head of the Ukrainian Ports Association, in a comment to the publication.
Security, Innovations, and Challenges for Ukrainian Ports
To minimize risks, strict rules for the entry and exit of vessels have been implemented, operational times have been limited, and alternative communication channels are used due to the threat of cyberattacks. Ukrainian military personnel inspect vessels 10-12 nautical miles from the port, and entry and exit are allowed only during designated time windows. Ships can no longer anchor for extended periods as they did before the war began. Following large-scale hacker attacks, some communications have even been switched to fax.
The threat of sea mines is partially controlled through the installation of floating barriers with nets. Mobile concrete shelters have been constructed to protect personnel, and port operations are completely halted during air raid alerts. As emphasized by Andriy Stavnitsser, head of the port operator “TIS,” workers lose up to 30% of their working time due to air raid alerts. The company is already investing in its own air defense systems to protect infrastructure from Russian drones.
Given the international interest in the Ukrainian experience, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to cooperate with Middle Eastern countries on issues of protecting the skies from Iranian drones.