How ports work under shelling: Ukraine’s experience interests the world
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Ukrainian ports, despite shelling, mining, and blockade, continue to operate and become a reference point for other countries.
This is reported by Der Spiegel.
International partners are actively studying Ukrainian experience in operating port infrastructure during wartime. According to Dmytro Barinov, head of the Association of Ukrainian Ports, such experience has never existed before.
The greatest interest is shown by operators from the Persian Gulf countries, in particular Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. They take into account the risks to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
After the start of the full-scale war, Russia partially blocked the Black Sea, and more than 130 ships remained in Ukrainian ports. Millions of tons of grain could not be exported. The situation was partially resolved by a grain agreement with the participation of the UN and Turkey, but Russia later withdrew from it.
Ukraine has independently restored sea routes and launched a grain corridor along the coast since the summer of 2023.
To reduce risks, ports are operating under new rules. Vessels are inspected 10-12 nautical miles from the port, and entries and exits are carried out at clearly defined times. Due to the threat of cyberattacks, some communications have even been transferred to faxes.
They also use floating barriers to protect against mines and install mobile concrete shelters for personnel. Work is stopped during air raids.
Andriy Stavnitser, head of port operator TIS, noted that up to 30% of working time is lost due to alarms. At the same time, companies are investing in their own air defense systems to protect against Russian drones.
Earlier, it was reported that Ukrainian instructors of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who trained American military personnel in the Persian Gulf, expressed their concerns about the US methods of combating Shahed drones. According to them, the allies are using expensive missiles against cheap targets and are not sufficiently protecting critical infrastructure.
As a reminder, Ukraine sent a group of specialists and equipment to protect US military bases in Jordan after Washington’s request. This step allows the Ukrainian side to restore its presence in the global media space and demonstrate solidarity with partners, despite its own difficult security situation, – said Ivan Stupak, military analyst, SBU employee (2004-2015) on the air of “Pryamoy”.
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