Ukraine and IMO unite against the shadow fleet: what are the threats and solutions.

Meeting in London

First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Serhii Kyslytsia met in London with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez.

At the meeting, they discussed issues of cooperation between Ukraine and IMO, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

Serhii Kyslytsia emphasized the importance of the IMO's technical assistance program for Ukraine, which involves the presence of Organization experts directly in Ukraine and the implementation of three key components - assessing the needs of maritime infrastructure, preparing a national oil spill response plan, and implementing a Single Maritime Window system.

At the same Time, the Ukrainian side expressed concern about the activities of the so-called 'shadow fleet' - a network of ships that violate international norms, operate without proper technical control and may threaten the safety of navigation and the marine environment. The Secretary-General shared measures that IMO is taking to combat this problem within the framework of countering so-called 'substandard shipping', the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted.

The parties also discussed the outcomes of the Secretary-General's visit to Ukraine, which took place in March 2025.

Thus, during the meeting in London, Serhii Kyslytsia and Arsenio Dominguez addressed key issues of cooperation, focusing on the problem of the 'shadow fleet' and coordinating further steps for its elimination.

This meeting underscores Ukraine's activity in international maritime policy and its intention to ensure safe conditions for navigation. Cooperation with IMO can significantly impact the improvement of maritime infrastructure and the protection of ecology in the region.