Arrival of first shipment of U.S. coal in Ukraine marked

On 13 September the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine together with Yuzhny Sea Trade Port, Centrenergo and Chamber Member Company Xcoal Energy & Resources, with support from the
U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, held an event on the occasion of the arrival of the first batch of U.S. anthracite coal.

On 13 September  the Ocean Ambitious vessel with 62,000 tons of American anthracite coal on board for Centrenergo, arrived at Yuzhny Sea Trade Port. Unloading takes 4 days.

Andy Hunder, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, Head of Odessa Regional State Administration Maxim Stepanov, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, acting Chief Executive of Centrenergo Oleg Kozemko, Executive Director of Xcoal Energy & Resources Ernie Thrasher, acting CEO of the SE Ukrainian Seaports Authority Raivis Veckagans and Acting Director of SE Yuzhny Sea Trade Port Vitaly Zhukovsky participated in the event on the occasion of arrival of the first batch of U.S. anthracite coal.

“We are witnessing the beginning of a new stage in energy cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S. ensuring the transparency of the Ukrainian energy market and import diversification. This is another important step towards Ukraine’s energy security”, commented Andy Hunder while unveiling the event.

“Due to events in the East, our country’s energy industry is undergoing difficult times. And the arrival of anthracite coal in Ukraine on the eve of the heating season is an evidence of the strategic character of the relations between Ukraine and the United States, and the result of effective cooperation between the Presidents of both countries. Today, we are launching a new page on Ukraine’s energy security, and I am pleased that enterprises of Odessa Region take part in it”, said Maxim Stepanov.

Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan noted: “The first batch of American anthracite coal in the Ukrainian port is an important event for both Ukraine and the USA. It is not only a sign of successful business bilateral relations, but also a sign of support of Ukraine’s energy security by our American partners and our strong friendship. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko reached agreement on the supply of American coal to Ukraine, and the Government, in its turn, passed all the necessary conditions and procedures to ensure that the first batch arrives  successfully in Ukraine.”

U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch noted in her speech: “This transaction is a testimony to the trust that has developed during these last three years between our two countries and another example of how we can work together in a mutually beneficial way. In the immediate term, this U.S. coal will play a critical role in keeping houses warm and the lights on in Ukraine this winter. In the longer term, Centrenergo and XCoal have developed a business relationship that will not only help to diversify supplies but could potentially transform Ukraine’s energy sector.”

Acting Chief Executive of PJSC Centrenergo Oleg Kozemko pointed out: “This is a remarkable and historic project that was realized due to the results of the agreement reached between two Presidents, namely on the launch of cooperation with an American partner regarding coal import to Ukraine. Constant delivery of coal products by the American partner will give the opportunity for full operation of TPPs of PJSC Centrenergo, resulting in stable energy and heat supply for Ukrainian consumers in the autumn-winter period 2017-2018.”

“Xcoal is honored to supply Pennsylvania coal to Centrenergo. The contract to supply coal from the U.S.A. provides jobs and economic benefits to the coal mining industry, and supporting service industries, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of Maryland while ensuring that citizens of Ukraine benefit from secure supplies of electricity and thermal energy.
We would like to express our thanks to the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Energy for their assistance.  We are confident that the reliable coal production, and efficient infrastructure, in the U.S.A will support ongoing supply opportunities to Ukraine”, said Executive Director of Xcoal Energy and Resources Ernie Thrasher.

“Ocean Ambitious is the fifth Panamax-type vessel with coal to have been unloaded at Yuzhny Sea Trade Port since the start of the year. The enterprise performs its strategic function in the logistics chain — coal is sent to power plants on time. This is our contribution, as a state-owned enterprise, to strengthening the energy independence of Ukraine”, said Acting Director of SE Sea Trade Port Yuzhny Vitaly Zhukovsky.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine Natalia Boyko also commented: “Anthracite coal supply from the United States is an important step in the development of our bilateral relations. The priority task of the Ministry is to shape energy independence policy through diversification of sources of supply of energy resources as an integral part of Ukraine’s national security. Ensuring sufficient stocks in the warehouses of energy companies is important for the uninterrupted operation of the United Energy System of Ukraine. Today’s event once again demonstrates the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States.”