Estonian minister in Ukraine: Restoring maritime infrastructure crucial for victory

TALLINN - Estonian Minister of Infrastructure Vladimir Svet met this week with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba in Odesa to discuss the next steps in restoring war-damaged maritime infrastructure and rebuilding Ukraine's maritime sector.

During the visit, the ministers signed a memorandum to strengthen cooperation in maritime infrastructure reconstruction.

"Ukrainian ports, sea routes, and national fleet have suffered severe damage due to Russia's aggression -- restoring them is essential for the country's economy and trade. Estonia supports Ukraine with both expertise and investments," Svet stated.

Svet said that Estonia and Ukraine have developed a maritime infrastructure recovery plan focused on supporting the Ukrainian Navy, port development, and attracting investments.

"This plan will help Ukraine not only win the war but also begin restoring its infrastructure and maritime capabilities now, and prepare for large-scale reconstruction after the war," the minister said.

A critical part of the plan includes replacing state-owned vessels with modern ones, partially upgrading existing ships, and enhancing mine-clearance capabilities in both maritime and inland waters. Estonia is leading efforts to secure funding for the 589-million-euro maritime recovery plan.

"Our maritime cluster has the necessary experience and expertise to help restore and develop Ukraine's maritime infrastructure and state fleet," said Kaupo Läänerand, deputy secretary-general for maritime affairs and the aquatic environment at the Ministry of Climate.

"In addition to reconstructing ports and fleets, Estonian companies are ready to contribute to maritime logistics, IT solutions, monitoring systems, and Black Sea demining," he said.

During the visit, Svet also met with representatives from the Ukrainian Navy, ports, Foreign Ministry, and Defense Ministry, as well as state maritime agencies and private sector companies. He also attended a flag-raising ceremony in Odesa for a search and rescue vessel built by Estonian shipbuilder Baltic Workboats AS, based in Saaremaa.