State Enterprise Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) in 2017 plans to invest UAH 3.507 billion in modernization and development of Ukrainian port infrastructure, the USPA press service told UNIAN.
”The planned volume of capital investments in 2017 is estimated at UAH 3507 million, including UAH 929.8 million on construction of six berths with total length of 1,550 and four projects worth UAH 1.737,7 million for dredging in two ports,” the press service said.
In particular, this refers to the reconstruction of the approach channel in Yuzhny seaport (total dredging is up to 3.45 million cubic meters); the cost is over UAH 1 billion; channel depth is 21 meters.
It is also planned to reconstruct water approaches, shunting zones and operational water areas in Yuzhny seaport: the cost is almost UAH 1.436 billion, depth is 16-19 meters.
Furthermore, it is planned to reconstruct the operating water area of the 1st boot basin of Sukhoy Liman of Chornomorsk seaport, where the dredging will amount to 2.5 million cubic meters, costing UAH 720 million. In addition, it is planned to reconstruct the approach channel in Chernomorsk port, to make it 16 meters deep, which will cost UAH 115.3 million.
The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority also plans to continue the construction of the container terminal at the Quarantine Mole in Odessa port.
”Modernization and development of port infrastructure, attracting investments, improvement of industry legislation and measures to ensure equal conditions for doing business in seaports are among our main objectives for the current year,” says Raivis Veckagans, the Acting CEO of USPA.
Favorable implementation of the mentioned projects will ensure new jobs, increase cargo turnover and budget revenues as each handled ton of cargo brings about $1.5 to the state treasury.
Talking about creation of competitive conditions for doing business in seaports, USPA authority focuses on the maintenance of passport depths of the approaches and water areas in seaports, as well as the revision of separation balance sheets between USPA and state port operators.
Creation of mechanisms for attracting investment is another important point and the first step forward the USPA`s solvency is the audit in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which is going to be held this year.
In addition, USPA plans to apply international control standards in construction process of port infrastructure facilities (FIDIC) that should allow foreign dredgers to enter the Ukrainian market and assure investor companies in transparency of tender procurement processes.
Another important issue for USPA is updating the Industry Development Plan till 2038 and working out the methodology for port fees calculation. Both tasks foresee involving consultants from the World Bank and the Canadian EDGE project with the participation of international experts and Ukrainian scientists.
USPA will lay a special emphasis on the preparation to the audit by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the safety of navigation.
