IAPH managing director Patrick Verhoeven delivered the opening message at the 3rd International Conference – NewPORT UA: Operation of Ukrainian Ports Under Martial Law – earlier this month. The event, which took place in Odesa on 21 May, brought together representatives of public and private port operators, shipowners, freight brokers, logistics and forwarding companies, transport operators, and representatives of Ukrainian state authorities and the maritime industry. Patrick’s welcome remarks – which were delivered via video – offered thanks to Ukrainian port workers for their resilience, courage and professionalism under the extremely difficult conditions of war. Patrick noted that Ukrainian ports sustained the country’s economy, and played a vital role in global food security, and he conveyed the international port community’s ongoing support. He also highlighted the role of the Ukrainian Ports Association – Ukrport – and its contribution to the international professional dialogue on port operations during wartime. He noted that Ukrport was sharing extremely valuable practical experience regarding port operations during wartime, including with ports in the Middle East.
