MODERNIZATION OF UKRAINE’S MARITIME SECTOR IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION: PRIORITIES AND UKRAINE FACILITY INSTRUMENTS
Abstract
This article examines the priorities of the investment and innovation development of Ukraine’s maritime sector in the context of European integration, focusing on the use of Ukraine Facility and the Ukraine Investment Framework as instruments for recovery, modernization, and structural transformation. It is argued that maritime modernization should not be reduced to the restoration of damaged infrastructure, but should be understood as a comprehensive process combining port renewal, digital transformation, multimodal connectivity, security compliance, transparent market regulation, and stronger institutional capacity. The paper shows that the updated TEN-T framework, the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes initiative, EU rules on port services, maritime security requirements, and digital logistics systems form an integrated European policy environment within which Ukraine must shape its maritime recovery strategy. Particular attention is paid to the ports of Greater Odessa, the Danube cluster, and the maritime administration as key segments of the sector. The study identifies the main investment barriers affecting them, including high risk premiums, infrastructure vulnerability, fragmented administrative procedures, insufficient digitalization, and limited project bankability. It is shown that the Ukraine Facility should be viewed not only as a source of financial support, but also as an institutional and investment framework linking reforms, project preparation, de-risking instruments, blended finance, and technical assistance. The article highlights the role of Port Community System, maritime single window solutions, customs integration, and institutional modernization in reducing transaction costs, improving efficiency, and strengthening the sector’s attractiveness for private and international capital. It is concluded that the most productive approach to modernization is a portfolio-based strategy combining infrastructure projects with regulatory reforms, digital solutions, and risk-reduction mechanisms to ensure stronger resilience, higher competitiveness, export continuity, and gradual integration into the European transport space.
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