COOPERATION BETWEEN UKRAINE AND THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION: LEGAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS

Анотація

The article examines the legal and economic aspects of Ukraine’s cooperation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), encompassing participation in the development of international standards for maritime safety, marine environmental protection, seafarer training, certification, and the support of the merchant fleet. Particular attention is paid to the role of the IMO in ensuring the stable functioning of Ukraine’s maritime communications amid the Russian‑Ukrainian war, the establishment of humanitarian and trade corridors for the export of critically important goods, the restoration of cargo handling, and the support of merchant fleet operations, which contribute to the country’s economic resilience. The study analyses the legal mechanisms that ensure the implementation of key IMO conventions, including SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW, into Ukrainian national legislation, enhancing maritime safety, reducing the risk of legal conflicts and international claims, and ensuring the international recognition of Ukrainian seafarers’ qualifications and the protection of their rights within the global maritime labour system. Ukraine’s participation in IMO committees and subcommittees is examined, demonstrating the country’s ability to actively influence the development of international standards and to safeguard national interests in the Black Sea region, thereby strengthening Ukraine’s legal status as a coastal state and a subject of international maritime law. The economic impact of cooperation with the IMO is also highlighted, including improvements in the competitiveness of the merchant fleet, modernisation of port infrastructure, optimisation of logistics processes, attraction of investments, integration of Ukrainian seafarers into the global labour market, and enhancement of maritime transport efficiency. In the context of the armed conflict, the strategic significance of Ukraine’s IMO membership is emphasised, including the provision of maritime safety during port blockades, protection of Ukrainian seafarers’ rights, support for the merchant fleet, and implementation of humanitarian and trade initiatives. It is underlined that the legal and economic engagement with the IMO facilitates Ukraine’s integration into the global maritime transport system, strengthens the legal and economic resilience of the national maritime sector, ensures compliance with international standards, and upholds Ukraine’s international image as a responsible state actively defending the principles of safety, freedom of navigation, and sustainable maritime transport development during armed conflict.

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