The Ukrainian delegation, consisting of representatives from the Shipping Administration, Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, State Enterprise “Maritime Search and Rescue Service” and the State Enterprise “Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority”, made a study visit to the city of Messina, Italian Republic, from 29 June to 03 July 2026. The visit focused on operation of the Vessel Traffic Management and Information System (VTMIS). It took place within the framework of the European Union technical assistance Twinning Project “Institutional Support to the State Service for Maritime, Inland Waterway Transport and Shipping of Ukraine in the Implementation of the EU Acquis, Norms and Standards on Maritime Safety”.
As part of the study programme, the Ukrainian delegation visited the Messina Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Centre, located at Forte Ogliastri. During the event, they paid attention to practical operational experience of the Centre, which is responsible for monitoring and managing maritime vessel traffic in the Strait of Messina, with particular emphasis on surveillance procedures, establishing communication with ships, and organising the activities of maritime safety services.
Throughout the event, the Ukrainian representatives gained insights into regulatory and operational peculiarities and other arrangements for functioning of VTS in compliance with the requirements of the European Union legislation, International Maritime Organization (IMO) documents and standards of the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA). They also studied practical mechanisms for monitoring, coordinating, and regulating vessel traffic in areas of intense shipping and heightened navigational risks.
During the visit, the Ukrainian delegation also saw the Port of Gioia Tauro, located in Calabria, and examined how management of shipping and port operations is carried out in what stands as one of the largest container hubs of the Mediterranean Sea.
The practical part of studying involved familiarisation with the application of maritime traffic monitoring information systems, including SafeSeaNet, their integration with vessel traffic services systems, procedures for interaction between VTS centres, port authorities, search and rescue services, shipping companies, and other maritime stakeholders.
The Ukrainian delegation expressed its gratitude to Italian partners and Twinning Project experts for valuable experience and for support provided towards Ukraine’s European integration in the field of safety of shipping, particularly as regards traffic monitoring and information support.
