With the support of the EU4BUSINESS program, meetings were held between the leadership of the Public Union “Ukrainian Maritime Cluster” (hereinafter PU “UMC”) with representatives of international non-governmental organizations of the European Union representing the maritime industry.
At the end of May 2023 Artem Vashchylenko, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Olena Zhukova Executive Director of the PU “UMC” met with René Berkvens, Chairman of the Shipyards’ & Maritime Equipment Association of Europe (SEA Europe) and Philip Easthil Secretary General of the European Boating Industry.

During the meeting in Brussels, Artem Vashchylenko and Olena Zhukova presented the GS “MCU” and got PU “UMC” and got acquainted with the activities of the European Boating Industry.

“We were thrilled to connect and discuss our shared interests, paving the way for a fruitful collaboration between EBI & UMC and developing a joint work programme. In these challenging times, it’s crucial that we come together and support one another.” – noted in European Boating Industry
In her turn, Olena Zhukova expressed her gratitude for the fruitful and inspiring meeting and noted that the PU “UMC” hopes for joint activities in the restoring and developing boating industry in Ukraine.
At the end of 2022 PU “UMC” became an associate partner of the Shipyards and Marine Equipment Association of Europe (SEA Europe), in March 2023 had the honor to participate in the board meeting of the organization, and on May 31, 2023 to meet in Brussels with René Berkvens Head of the Association in Rotterdam at Netherlands Maritime Technology.
During this meeting, further steps of cooperation in the direction of the restoring of maritime industries of Ukraine were discussed.

On May 31, 2023, Artem Vashchylenko, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of PU “UMC”, Christoph Tytgat, Secretary General I (SEA Europe), Marnix Krikke, Director of Innovation and Human Capital of NMT, Olena Zhukova, Executive Director of PU “UMC” René Berkvens Chairman of the SEA Europe took place in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

On May 31, 2023, a meeting between René Berkvens, Chairman of the European Association of Shipyards and Marine Equipment (SEA Europe), Christoph Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA Europe, Artem Vashchylenko, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Olena Zhukova, Executive Director of PU “UMC” was held in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

During these visits, a number of important issues were discussed, including: the need to share experience and involve expert opinion in matters of recovery and sustainable development of the blue economy of Ukraine, in particular in matters of sea and river transport, shipbuilding and ship repair.
Based on the results of the meetings, it was agreed on further joint actions in the direction of consolidating efforts to develop international cooperation and partnership.
It is worth noting that the main tasks of the PU “UMC” are to support global integration and increase the competitiveness of the members of the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster in the international area. Therefore, international meetings are necessary for the realization of this goal, namely the promotion of the development of the Ukrainian maritime economy through the consolidation of maritime industry companies.
– “Meetings of maritime industry representatives are important because they contribute to cooperation, exchange of experience and ideas, development of new solutions and conclusion of international agreements that contribute to sustainable development, security and economic prosperity in the maritime sector. They bring together experts from different countries who can exchange knowledge, experience and innovative ideas. Discussion of new technologies, use of energy-efficient solutions, development of new methods of extraction and use of marine resources can lead to the creation of a more sustainable and ecologically clean maritime sector. We invite and offer business representatives to join and prepare for representation at the Stand, which will be presented at the Europort 2023 exhibition (Rotterdam, the Netherlands). This is actually an opportunity to record and organize practical contacts with international partners. This is how the tools of international cooperation work,” Artem Vashchylenko emphasized.

– “The maritime industry has a significant impact on the world economy and the Ukrainian economy in particular. International meetings create opportunities to discuss joint initiatives and projects, contributing to the growth of trade, investment and job creation. They also help conclude international agreements and standards that promote mutual understanding and cooperation between different countries. It is worth noting that during the three years of its activity, PU “UMC” attracted 35 enterprises and companies of the maritime industry as members, 6 memorandums of cooperation with international associations were concluded, and a large number of strategic unifying events with influential industry stakeholders were held. PU “UMC” has also implemented a number of international projects with partner organizations,”- said Olena Zhukova

The ” Ukrainian Maritime Cluster” – it’s connection point for entire maritime sector that links with other players, global and national policy makers, and maritime organizations.
The event is organized by the PU Ukrainian Maritime Cluster within the grant call of proposals for the systemic support of small and medium-sized entrepreneurship, commissioned by the international cooperation programme “EU4Business: SME Recovery, Competitiveness and Internationalisation”, which is co-financed by the European Union and the German Government. The grant call of proposals is implemented by the Business Development Fund, the strategic implementer is the German federal company “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH”. The programme aims to support Ukraine’s economic resilience, recovery and growth, create better conditions for the development of Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as support innovation and exports. Read more: www.eu4business.org.ua
Its content is the sole responsibility of the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, the German government, GIZ, the BDF.