UDS Developed a Technical Assignment for the Survey of the Bug-Dnipro-Liman Canal

The technical assignment project was prepared by the experts of UDS (Ukrainian Demining Services) at the request of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration.

🔹 Purpose of the work — to identify potentially contaminated areas of the waterway and to prepare recommendations for conducting technical surveys or demining operations.

💬 Statement by UDS Technical Director, Eduard Drach:

“The Bug-Dnipro-Liman Canal is a critically important facility. Currently, more than 40 vessels of other nations remain blocked due to naval mines. To restore safe navigation, it is necessary to carry out non-technical and technical surveys, followed by demining. As a mine action operator certified for underwater demining, under the memorandum and at the request of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, we developed the technical assignment. The project has already been submitted to the Administration for review,” — said Eduard Drach, Technical Director of UDS.

The technical assignment was developed by the Department of Special Demining Operations, which includes a team of diver-sappers. The document was created in coordination with asset holders and other competent authorities to ensure technical and procedural compliance.

The BDLC is a strategic waterway connecting the Mykolaiv Sea Port to the Black Sea. Due to extensive mining, the canal remains blocked — preventing the export of Ukrainian goods and creating risks for international shipping.

Donors and international partners may be interested in funding these operations, as restoring the safe use of the canal is key to reviving the Mykolaiv Sea Port, a critical infrastructure facility.

📄 About the Document

The technical assignment provides for:

🔹 conducting non-technical surveys with elements of technical assessment;

The work will be carried out in accordance with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), the national standard DSTU 8820:2023, and with consideration of GICHD recommendations, as well as safety rules for underwater operations specified in the Technical Assignment, namely: compliance with NPAOP 45.24-1.01-91 — Unified Safety Rules for Diving Operations (Diving Service Regulations) and the emergency/MEDEVAC response plan.