Deputy Head of Mission Explores Maritime Security at Danube Ports
February 27, 2025
For the past three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure, the Danube region has become a vital artery for Ukraine’s economy. Inland waterways, rail and road routes, are key to the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes launched by the European Commission in May 2022, enabling import and export of agricultural and other essential goods. The effective management of the maritime area and security is necessary for Ukraine’s national security and economic viability. In June 2024 EUAM ‘s mandate was expanded to incorporate maritime aspects of border management and security, which will be done through support to the State Border Gurd Service, including Maritime Guard, and the State Customs Service of Ukraine. The EUAM also, through its Field Office in Odesa, facilitates knowledge exchange with key EU actors, and supports relevant Ukrainian agencies in cooperation with neighbouring EU member states to promote the Solidarity Lanes in the lower Danube region.
In this context, last week, Deputy Head of Mission Maura O’Sullivan, together with the EUAM Field Office Odesa team, visited Izmail and Reni Ports, as well as Orlivka Ferry Terminal. The delegation discussed port operations, focusing on resilience against drone attacks, infrastructure development, grain exports, and emerging challenges.
At each location, the delegation met with local authorities and port officials, including Serhii Dmitriev, Head of Reni Commercial Port; Vitalii Levchenko, Head of Izmail Commercial Port; Vitaliy Nikula, Director of LTD Company “River Port Orlivka”; Yurii Vasylchuk, Chief of the Orlivka Border Guard Service Department; and Vitalii Vandoliak, Deputy Head of Unit for Customs Post “Prydunaiskiy.” who shared experiences of maintaining operations despite security threats, ensuring that Ukraine’s Danube ports continue playing their role as vital supply chains.
The delegation also visited the Izmail Training Center of the Regional Maritime Guard Directorate to assess training capacities and discuss cooperation. Strengthening maritime security remains a priority, especially as threats in the Black Sea and Danube regions continue to evolve.
“EUAM’s mandate has been adjusted to provide stronger assistance to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, advancing civilian security sector reforms, and supporting the country’s path towards EU integration. Maritime security is now, and will in the future, be essential to Ukraine’s national security and economic viability. We will soon see the deployment of maritime experts in EUAM to complement and build on the work that is already ongoing in this area and will continue to strengthen our support for our Ukrainian partners where needed,” said Maura O’Sullivan, concluding her visit to the Danube ports.
The delegation also visited the Izmail Training Center of the Regional Maritime Guard Directorate to assess training capacities and discuss cooperation. Strengthening maritime security remains a priority, especially as threats in the Black Sea and Danube regions continue to evolve.
EUAM remains committed to standing with its Ukrainian partners – those working tirelessly to safeguard critical infrastructure, protect communities, and keep vital trade routes open.
