The government wants to attract private investors to modernize ports, but in exchange for investment, the government offers a compensation mechanism through port fees. At the same time, the amount of investment compensation should not exceed the amount paid by the investor.
Due to the war, Ukraine struggles to find financing for the maritime industry. Even before the war, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Administration (USPA) sought to finance projects for the repair of more than 48 piers that amounted to ₴12B over four years. The USPA concluded contracts for several construction projects but were not able to implement them all because of insufficient financing. However, the USPA must properly maintain the port infrastructure, particularly the quay.
On the company’s balance sheet as of February 24, 2022, there were 265 berths located in 13 seaports of Ukraine, of which 20 are unsuitable for normal operation; 37 require significant capital investments; more than 50 need restoration through overhaul or reconstruction.