On April 3 2025, Mykola Kravchuk held an online conversation with Maja Markovčić Kostelac.
The Acting Head of the Shipping Administration greeted the EMSA team and discussed the current implementation of the project “Strengthening Environmental Resilience and Maritime Safety for Black and Caspian Sea riparian states” (BCSEA II).
The Ukrainian side provided proposals for assistance to interested national institutions for 2026, in particular regarding:
✔ new training programs for maritime specialists;<
✔ further digitalisation of the services provided by the Shipping Administration;
✔ support in signing Memorandums of Understanding on recognition of seafarers' certificates.<
It was agreed to work additionally and in priority on better fulfillment of flag state obligations by Ukraine and developing the Maritime Strategy to implement IMO instruments.
Mykola Kravchuk expressed his gratitude to EMSA for supporting Ukraine amid the full-scale war and facilitating its integration into the European Union.
For reference: the BCSEA II project is aimed at raising standards of maritime safety and marine environment protection. It provides technical support, training for Ukrainian specialists and access to advanced services provided by EMSA.
