The Ministry of Infrastructure plans experimental pilotage of vessels with drafts of more than 18 meters at the Yuzhny port (Odessa region) for the near future, the press service of the ministry reports.
"At the same time, this means that firstly, one Ukrainian port is suitable for the passage of vessels of almost all classes. Secondly, the basic essence of port reform - the concentration of resources and direction of a particular resource toward one major project - has justified itself," First Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Malin is quoted as saying.
Now, the volume of the work that has been performed is sufficient to allow the waters’ main shipping channel to accept vessels with a draft of 18 meters.
In addition, the Ministry of Infrastructure plans to develop a rail network directly serving the Yuzhny port through public-private partnership.
"Implementation of this project is expected to be financed by the companies performing stevedoring operations at the Yuzhny port. To this end, a memorandum, the text of which is currently being drafted, will be signed with a group of companies," said Malin.
The official also said that investors would be given equal rights to participate in development of logistics enterprises as part of the reform of the port sector. According to him, all possible forms of public-private partnership - not just the granting of concessions - will be considered.
