IMEC, ITF Invest $3 Mln in Ukraine Maritime Training

The International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have agreed to invest $3 million in Ukrainian marine training. The donation is being made from the Seafarers’ Employment Promotion Fund (SEPF), a unique training fund sourced from collective bargaining agreements negotiated by the two organizations. 

 

IMEC and the ITF work together as social partners to administer the SEPF. The funds will support the work of the Kherson State Maritime Academy (KSMA) and the National University ‘Odessa Maritime Academy’ (NU-OMA).

 

In 2015, a substantial amount of unclaimed SEPF funds remained, meaning that both parties, along with the ITF’s affiliated union in Ukraine, the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine (MTWTU), were able to make a substantial investment there. In total more than $3 million has been invested in Ukraine by the social partners. 

 

As a result, a full mission TRANSAS DP offshore simulator, GMDSS simulator suite, desktop engine room simulator suite and a full mission engine room simulator, have been inaugurated at the KSMA. This was followed by the inauguration of a full mission Kongsberg engine room simulator at the NU-OMA. Phase two of the investment will consist of developments to the boat station and fire ground of the Kherson Maritime Specialized Training Center and an engine room simulator upgrade in the Odessa Maritime Training Center.

 

Speaking after the inaugurations, IMEC CEO, Francesco Gargiulo, said, “Training budgets have been significantly reduced in the current economic downturn that the shipping industry is experiencing. However, across IMEC’s 224 member companies, Ukraine is the third most utilized country in terms of Officers’ employment. It was therefore important to invest in the country, to ensure the sustainability of future quality officers.”

 

MTWTU’s First Vice Chairman, Oleg Grigoryuk, added, "This is an important project for both IMEC and the MTWTU, as our union is the only maritime ITF affiliate in Ukraine. Participation in this project presented the strength of the ITF and social partnership. Moreover MTWTU members will receive an additional benefit - substantial discount for training on equipment installed in Kherson and Odessa. We are looking forward to new partnership projects of the ITF and IMEC.”