PSCC26 Press Release

Varna, BULGARIA –The Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in the Black Sea Region (Black Sea MoU) held the 26th meeting of its Port State Control Committee (PSCC26) from 21 to 23 April 2026 in Varna, Bulgaria. The meeting was chaired by Captain Hayri Hasandayioglu, Head of the Ship Inspection Department of the Republic of Türkiye.

The session was formally opened by Captain Ventsislav Ivanov, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Maritime Administration, who welcomed the delegates and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to host the meeting. In his opening remarks, Captain Ivanov emphasized the vital role of port State control in ensuring maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. He also underlined the importance of effective cooperation among Member Authorities and commended their continued professionalism and dedication.

The meeting was attended by all the 6 Member Authorities, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, the Russian Federation, Türkiye and Ukraine, as well as observers from Azerbaijan, Moldova, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Abuja MoU, the Mediterranean MoU, the Paris MoU, the Tokyo MoU, and the Viňa del Mar Agreement attended to the meeting. Observers of Kazakhstan, United States Coast Guard, the Indian Ocean MoU, the Riyadh MoU and the Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea against Pollution were unable to attend.

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