Site search

Together we are strong!

+38 (050) 336 44 57 office@mtwtu.org.ua
Three workers walk along a ship at sea

MTWTU Projects

Completed projects

Implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at protecting the rights and interests of Union members, as well as developing the maritime industry

UNION DENT

A joint project between the MTWTU and ver.di, under which Ukrainian seafarers working on ships operated by German shipowners and covered by ver.di agreements are eligible to receive dental services completely free of charge.

The UNION DENT Project is the result of cooperation between the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine (MTWTU) and the German trade union ver.di. Launched in Odesa, this project provides free dental services to Ukrainian seafarers working on ships operated by German shipowners under CBA ver.di.

Key facts:

  • The project provides access to a modern dental clinic for seafarers and their family members.
  • More than 70 seafarers and their families have already taken advantage of the free services.

During the war, seafarers' family members can also join the project, providing additional support.

This project is important for improving the working and living conditions of Ukrainian seafarers by providing them with necessary medical care in an important area of health.

Maritime English with the Union

Since 2018, the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Japan Seamen's Union (JSU), has been implementing a project to improve the knowledge of English for seafarers and cadets.

Fluency in English is one of the key skills for seafarers, as effective communication on board is crucial not only for the efficiency of the crew but also for the safety of navigation.

Key facts:

  • Lessons are held online and offline at the Maritime Union Center.
  • The programme is adapted to the specifics of the maritime industry and includes modern teaching materials: text reference books, audio and video materials, and interactive tasks.
  • In 2024, cadets from the Danube Institute of the National University “Odesa Maritime Academy”, joined the project, with lessons held at the Izmail International Seamen's Club.

The project is important for the professional development of Ukrainian seafarers, opening up new career opportunities for them and strengthening their position in the global maritime community.

Innovations for Seafarers and Cadets

Modern shipping requires not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that help seafarers act quickly and effectively in critical situations. The Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine is implementing cutting-edge technologies into training, providing its members with access to innovative VR simulators at the Maritime Union Center.

Thanks to virtual reality, seafarers can fully immerse themselves in the working atmosphere of a ship, performing key operations without risk to life and property.

Key facts:

  • Seafarers can train in launching lifeboats and rafts, starting emergency diesel generators, performing crane operations and other important procedures.
  • VR simulators provide an opportunity to improve technical skills and strengthen confidence in one's actions in critical situations.
  • Due to the destruction of infrastructure, some educational processes have been complicated, and VR technologies allow us to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application.
  • More than 2,000 seafarers and cadets have already undergone training, which significantly increases their level of preparedness for emergencies on board.

This project is important for the development of the professional skills of seafarers and cadets, preparing them for the challenges of modern shipping.

Support for Seafarers abroad

With the assistance of the ITF Seafarers' Trust, the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine holds meetings with seafarers abroad. Their purpose is to provide current information and support to seafarers in wartime conditions. MTWTU specialists provide legal advice and answer seafarers' most common questions regarding employment, employment contracts, and the most frequent questions directly related to work and life on board a ship.

Special attention is paid to mental health issues, which are particularly relevant for every Ukrainian in today's reality.

Key facts:

  • Meetings have already been held in Moldova, Romania and Bulgaria. Over 100 seafarers took part in them.
  • There are plans to expand the geography to cover as many seafarers as possible who, due to objective circumstances, live in different parts of the world.
  • Thanks to its long-standing cooperation with the ITF Seafarers' Trust, the MTWTU provides regular and effective support to seafarers in different countries, even in the most difficult conditions of war.

Regardless of the seafarers' location – at sea, on shore or in another country – they can be sure that the Union is always by their side, ready to support them in any circumstances.

MTWTU and 3F Project

The Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine and the Danish trade union 3F have been implementing a joint project since 2022. It consists of information campaigns, forums, training courses and seminars attended by MTWTU members – dockers, seafarers, other maritime transport workers and cadets from maritime training institutions.

The Danish trade union 3F is the largest and strongest trade union in Denmark, with over 250,000 members. The main goal of 3F is to help organisations develop and protect the rights of union members with whom 3F cooperates through democratic means.

Key facts:

  • The joint programme of events aims to raise awareness among project participants during martial law in our country, as well as to improve the level of information.
  • The systematic exchange of practical experience and information is the key to the Union's sustainable development.
  • The events are held online throughout Ukraine and offline in Odesa, Izmail and Kyiv.
  • Cooperation with 3F is part of a global initiative to strengthen the trade union movement and protect Ukrainian workers' labour rights.

The MTWTU and 3F Project is a step towards strengthening union solidarity and creating new opportunities for Ukrainian seafarers, even in difficult times.

Union Sustainability in the Frontline Regions of Ukraine

The year 2025 marked the start of joint work between the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine and the Local Trade Union Organisation of Transport Workers within the framework of the International Labour Organisation's initiative ‘Union Sustainability in the Frontline Regions of Ukraine’, as part of the project “ILO Support to Ukraine: Prevention of Labour Exploitation and Human Trafficking, Support to Entrepreneurship Development and Social Partners”, funded by the Government of Belgium.

Key facts:

  • The project aims to expand the Union's capacity to provide new services to its members, including legal consultation and employment support, as well as promoting full, productive and formalised employment among seafarers, dockers and workers in maritime transport shore-based enterprises.
  • The project also aims to create additional employment opportunities for Union members who have lost their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control or are forced to seek new career paths.
  • The MTWTU LAW HUB legal consulting centre was established to provide free legal support to Union members. The Hub's services are available both remotely and directly at the Union's office in Odesa, as well as at its representative office in Izmail, based at the Izmail International Seamen's Club.
  • As part of the project, 40 people were trained in the courses “Generate and Implement Business Ideas” and “Start Your Own Business” by certified practicing business coaches under the ILO's Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme.

Project by MTWTU, Kherson State Maritime Academy and Vilnius Tech LMA

Joint educational project by Kherson State Maritime Academy and Lithuanian Maritime Academy (now Vilnius Tech LMA), supported by the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine and its international partners, has provided Ukrainian cadets from temporarily occupied territories and active war zones with the opportunity to continue their education in accordance with international standards and obtain two higher education diplomas — Ukrainian and Lithuanian.

From 1 September 2022, the educational programme is structured as dual education: cadets combine lectures and practical classes at both educational institutions, receiving modern training and access to European educational infrastructure.

Key facts:

  • 2022: 50 third-year cadets began their studies at two maritime academies with the support of the ITF Seafarers' Trust.
  • 2023: 10 first-year cadets received sponsorship from the ITF Seafarers' Trust.
  • 2024: 10 first-year cadets continued their participation in the programme with the support of the Norwegian shipping company WILSON.
  • 2025: 10 first-year cadets received financial support from the German trade union ver.di.

The project allows Ukrainian cadets to maintain access to quality maritime education even in wartime, integrate into the European educational space and build a professional future without losing touch with the Ukrainian system of specialist training.

Maritime Union Center (MUC)

On May 9, 2018, the Marine Transport Workers' Trade Union of Ukraine and the All-Japan Seamen's Union (JSU) established the Maritime Professions Competence Enhancement Union Center as part of a joint educational project for Ukrainian seafarers.

Bright, spacious conference rooms, classrooms symbolically named after the world's oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic), and technical equipment have made the Maritime Union Center an excellent venue for various events for MTWTU members.

Key facts:

  • It hosts training sessions and meetings for seafarers and port workers, informational meetings with cadets of maritime educational institutions, and press conferences.
  • One of the advantages of the Maritime Union Center is its virtual reality simulator, which allows users to familiarize themselves with the algorithm for checking ship firefighting equipment and to practice launching rescue equipment.
  • In addition, a joint educational project between the MTWTU and JSU is being implemented at the Maritime Union Center, through which Ukrainian seafarers can improve their English language skills completely free of charge.
  • The Center's space is actively used for social projects, support programs for seafarers, dockers, and cadets, as well as events for youth.


The Maritime Union Center is open to cooperation and is constantly expanding its activities. You can find out more about the opportunities offered by the MUC on its official website: https://muc.com.ua/

UNION COFFEE

This is a place for communication, rest and informal meetings of the professional community. The coffee shop has become an integral part of the Maritime Union Center (MUC), focused on the comfort of Union and MUC guests.

The cosy atmosphere, modern interior and high-quality coffee have made UNION COFFEE a popular location for meetings, work discussions and short breaks between business.



Key facts:

  • The space is open to MTWTU members and guests.
  • It hosts informal meetings and communication with partners and participants in trade union projects.
  • MTWTU members receive a discount on coffee upon showing their union membership card.
  • UNION COFFEE also provides catering for events held at the Maritime Union Center, including training sessions, meetings, and social events.

UNION COFFEE is constantly evolving and remains open to new forms of cooperation.

Thank you for contacting us!