When to expect Mykolaiv's port opening

The European Union, the United Nations, and Denmark have supported the strategy of rebuilding and developing Mykolaiv as a center of the blue economy in Ukraine. It is about reviving the maritime infrastructure on an ecological basis.

Artem Vashchylenko, chairman of the Ukrainian Association of Business Support Centers, told Hromadske Radio about this.

Blue economy

According to the expert, the blue economy includes ship construction and repair, aquaculture and biotechnology, fishing, coastal and marine tourism. The EU has recognized this concept as a priority for the next ten years.

"For Mykolaiv, a city with centuries of maritime traditions, this path is a natural one, aligned with the city's DNA. We have established a strategy for the restoration and development of Mykolaiv as a center of the blue economy," says Artem Vashchylenko.

Revival of shipbuilding

The expert noted that during the Soviet era, there was a need to create large fleets and, accordingly, large ships. Ukraine has smaller needs.

"Mykolaiv has opportunities for ship repair and small-scale shipbuilding. This can be a fleet serving ports, security areas, as well as various yachts, boats, and river trams. The organization of regular passenger transportation by water transport is also part of the city's recovery strategy," he explains.

The first international conference dedicated to the implementation of the blue economy concept in Mykolaiv has recently taken place in Kyiv. The projects are funded by the European Union, the Kingdom of Denmark and the United Nations Development Program in Ukraine.

As a reminder, the flow of cargo in the Danube ports has critically decreased. We also reported that the UK will allocate funds to protect the ports of Greater Odesa.