{"id":35214,"date":"2026-03-31T16:18:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T13:18:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clusters.org.ua\/?p=35214"},"modified":"2026-04-10T11:15:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T08:15:13","slug":"blue-economy-concept-of-ukraine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clusters.org.ua\/en\/news-en\/blue-economy-concept-of-ukraine\/","title":{"rendered":"PU \u201cUkrainian Maritime Cluster\u201d (UMC). Representation of Maritime Industry Companies and Promotion of the Blue Economy Concept of Ukraine"},"content":{"rendered":"

How can Ukraine\u2019s maritime industry be consolidated and systematically represented in line with blue economy principles and EU approaches, ensuring its integration into the unified European maritime information space?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ukrainian Maritime Cluster has demonstrated that through systematic communication, implementation of international projects, and participation in EU sectoral networks, Ukrainian enterprises can achieve visibility at the international level. This creates sustainable access channels to the unified European maritime information space and expands cooperation opportunities for all stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cOnly those who attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible\u201d<\/em> (Albert Einstein)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe Ukrainian maritime industry faces challenges that require clear and coordinated action. That is why we did not just talk \u2014 we worked to make our Cluster stronger, more open to international cooperation, and more beneficial for each member. Systemic, institutional work involving motivated professionals and experts is the key to a proper understanding of European prospects for Ukrainian enterprises and overall readiness for full EU integration,\u201d <\/em>\u2014 Artem Vashchylenko, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the PU \u201cUkrainian Maritime Cluster\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Practice Passport<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Practice Title<\/strong><\/td>Representation of maritime industry companies and promotion of the blue economy concept of Ukraine<\/td><\/tr>
Cluster \/ Source Organization<\/strong><\/td>PU \u201cUkrainian Maritime Cluster\u201d (UMC)<\/td><\/tr>
Region<\/strong><\/td>Ukraine<\/td><\/tr>
Implementation Period<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Active international phase 2022\u20132025 (ongoing)<\/td><\/tr>
Cluster Maturity Level<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Mature cluster with a strong project portfolio<\/td><\/tr>
Number of Member Companies<\/strong><\/td>39<\/td><\/tr>
Thematic Areas<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Internationalization, Cluster Communications & PR, SME Services, International Cooperation<\/td><\/tr>
Target Audience<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Clusters in export-oriented, high-tech sectors that require not just occasional clients, but institutional integration into European economic networks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Context and Problem Addressed by the Practice<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine\u2019s maritime industry includes shipbuilding, ship repair, engineering, RDI, service, and scientific companies with significant professional and industrial expertise. However, for a long time, its potential lacked coordinated and systematic international representation, making it difficult to form a coherent perception of the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Companies operated individually, creating a fragmented picture that did not reflect the true maturity of the industry. The practice of the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster ensures institutional, structured, and reliable representation of Ukraine\u2019s maritime industry and marine resource development within the framework of the blue economy concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Description of the Practice Mechanism (\u201cWhat\u2019s Under the Hood\u201d)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The practice brings together maritime industry companies for coordinated representation of their competencies and services. The cluster builds a unified database, supports participation in international projects and events, and creates a favorable environment for development and global integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This enables the demonstration of the industry\u2019s maturity and potential at the international level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Institutional European integration as a trust-building tool:<\/strong>
UMC implements institutional diplomacy by focusing on participation in key European industry networks \u2014 SEA Europe<\/strong> (Shipyards\u2019 & Maritime Equipment Association of Europe), ENMC<\/strong> (European Network of Maritime Clusters), and EBI<\/strong> (European Boating Industry). Membership (associate or full) increases reputational capital and provides access to the unified European maritime information space, strengthening trust in the Ukrainian maritime sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collective brokerage and exhibition expansion:<\/strong>
Through international projects, UMC ensured joint participation of Ukrainian companies under a unified national pavilion at major industry events, including Europort (Rotterdam, 2023)<\/strong> and Baltexpo (Gda\u0144sk, 2025)<\/strong>, as well as organized B2B meetings in Varna, Constan\u021ba, and Batumi within the 4BIZ \u2013 Boosting the Blue Economy in the Black Sea Region<\/strong> project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cluster coordinated participation, handled exhibition space logistics, designed meeting programs, and facilitated communication among participants with the support of relevant state institutions and diplomatic missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UMC also contributes to organizing events in Ukraine within the framework of the annual European Maritime Day<\/strong>, providing a stable platform for dialogue between Ukrainian and European stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photos from the international conference \u201cMykolaiv \u2014 A City on the Wave.\u201d Photos provided by the PU \u201cUkrainian Maritime Cluster\u201d (UMC).<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Resources and Preconditions<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The implementation of this practice requires a team capable of handling sectoral data and maintaining professional communication with European institutions. The cluster relies on experts who ensure data consistency, accuracy, and structured dialogue with partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The financial model is hybrid. A significant share of resources comes from EU grant programs, including the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021\u20132027<\/strong> and EU4Business<\/strong>, enabling co-financing of organizational and administrative costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key expert contributions come from cluster members, including engineering firms, shipbuilding companies, service providers, and academic institutions (notably Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding), who invest their expertise and resources into joint activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Results and Outcomes<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The practice enabled systematic international representation of Ukrainian maritime companies (Europort 2023, Baltexpo 2025) and ensured their presence in the European information space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Short-term quantitative results:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n