At Ukrport they debunked myths about "fees" for ship calls on the Danube

At the Association of Ukrainian Ports "Ukrport" they categorically denied information about the existence of corrupt "fees" for ship calls at Ukrainian Danube ports.

"Ukrport" spoke in support of Hursky. The Association, which brings together state and private ports, port operators and other maritime industry enterprises, voiced support for the head of the State Service of Maritime and Inland Water Transport and Shipping of Ukraine, Serhii Hursky. Ukrport emphasizes that the negative situation surrounding the head of the Shipping Administration, whom the Association calls a highly professional maritime specialist, does not reflect the position of the entire industry. They also declared their support for Hursky in "defending his professional, public and personal reputation and good name." At the same time, the Association believes that all published claims regarding Hursky’s professional activities must be objectively and impartially checked by competent authorities in the manner prescribed by law, and that conclusions should be based exclusively on proper facts. Regarding statements about the personal life of the head of the Shipping Administration, Ukrport noted that this "remains on the conscience of the claimants." Separately, Ukrport commented on the circulated information about the alleged existence on the Danube of "fees" in the amount of 30-50 thousand dollars per vessel. They pointed out that public reports do not specify which payments, services, or actions are being referred to or on what facts such claims are based. "As of today the Association has no confirmed information about the existence of the mentioned payments and has not received corresponding appeals from its members, who, given the current situation with ship calls to Ukrainian ports, are primarily interested in their increase," the statement says. At the same time, Ukrport noted that organizing a vessel’s arrival at a particular port, determining the order of its processing, and carrying out cargo operations are not within the powers of the Shipping Administration. Therefore, in the Association’s view, linking these processes to its head is unfounded. The trade union also defended him. The Trade Union of Maritime Transport Workers of Ukraine also stood up for the head of the Shipping Administration, Serhii Hursky, expressing disagreement with the practice of public accusations made without providing facts and evidence. The organization stated that any accusations must be properly checked, and conclusions, according to Trade Union representatives, should be based solely on facts and evidence. "In such matters competent authorities should be working, not public speculation. At the same time we can assess what we directly encounter in our work. In recent months we have seen the Shipping Administration’s efforts toward change and greater transparency in the areas of certification and seafarer services," the appeal says. Context: The accusations against Serhii Hursky were publicly voiced by Member of Parliament Anna Skorokhod, who is involved in a corruption case regarding attempts to "sell" NSDC sanctions. In particular, on social media the MP spoke of an alleged increase in the "shadow fee" for a place in the queue to enter the Danube, an increase in the cost of certificates for sailors, and the possible use of business trips for private purposes. Following these statements, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine initiated disciplinary proceedings against Hursky and temporarily suspended him from his duties. Hursky himself said he is ready to undergo a check and personally asked to be suspended during the investigation, stressing that he "has nothing to hide." Results of the disciplinary proceedings: The Commission on Higher Civil Service Personnel must submit by 23 October 2026.