Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority Orders €1.38 Million Turkish Pilot Boat for Izmail

The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) has awarded a contract worth €1.38 million to the Turkish company Gozuyilmaz Muhendislik Insaat Gemi Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi (Izmir Shipyard) for the supply of a new IZ 1500 AL pilot and service boat for the Port of Izmail.

According to information published in the Prozorro procurement system, the vessel is expected to be delivered within 14 months. The contract also includes spare parts and training for the crew.

The 15-metre aluminium vessel, with a beam of 4.5 metres, is designed to transport maritime pilots, port personnel and customs inspectors, as well as support vessel inspections and other port operations. It can accommodate two crew members and eight passengers. Its maximum speed is 20 knots, with a draught of 0.76 metres.

The procurement is financed through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), part of the World Bank Group, under the Restoring Essential Logistics Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (RELINC) project. One of the project's components focuses on expanding critical logistics chains along the Danube River.

The Turkish shipbuilder was the sole bidder in the tender, highlighting the importance of maintaining transparency and encouraging competition in internationally financed procurement procedures.

Commentary by the Institute of Danube Research (IDR)

According to IDR experts, acquiring a new pilot boat represents an important step towards modernising port infrastructure in the Lower Danube region. Upgrading the service fleet could improve pilotage efficiency, navigation safety and the operational reliability of the Port of Izmail.

However, the effectiveness of such investments should be assessed within the broader context of developing the Danube transport corridor. Key challenges include seasonal low water levels, limited navigation capacity in certain sections of the river and the need for stronger coordination between Ukraine and Romania.

The Institute of Danube Research emphasises that modernising the port fleet must be accompanied by improvements in navigation infrastructure, more efficient logistics operations and transparent use of international financial assistance. An integrated approach is essential to strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Ukraine's Danube ports.