“NIBULON” and OJSC “Wadan Yards Okean” have launched four non-self-propelled river-sea vessels that can simultaneously ship 18 thousand tons of grain, and announced further joint plans. Launching of non-self-propelled vessels was held in Mykolayiv on Friday, on the 16th of April. They were solemnly undocked at the shipbuilding yard “Wadan Yards Okean”. Now “NIBULON’s” fleet consists of 20 non-self-propelled vessels and three tugs – one river and two of coastal navigation. It is planned to launch another 4 non-self-propelled vessels in May.   “NIBULON” is at least 106 million UAH of taxes. The company has an amazing credit history. I remember when “NIBULON” started its activity more than 15 years ago – it was one of the first companies in Ukraine, which received a loan from the World Bank. This is a company with highly skilled professionals, which conquered the external market also. We must not forget the fact that “NIBULON” is the only Ukrainian national grain trader now. We are all aware that it is not easy to occupy a decent place abroad, on the world market. Therefore, its price is very high, – said the head of Mykolaiv regional state administration Mykola Kruglov.   General Director of “NIBULON”, Hero of Ukraine Oleksiy Vadaturskyy stressed that company’s efforts will be intensified in Mykolayiv region with renewed vigour.   “During 19 years the company has experienced various difficulties and obstacles. When Mykola Kruglov, was the governor for the first time, he was the first person who landed a hand of partnership “government and business” to us. Prior to that, Mykolayiv region did not know us and did not want to see us. We worked in other regions, except Mykolayiv. All the problems that occur around us are the signs of non-market, anti-competitive actions on the part of many companies. We feel the interference in our activity, attempts of raider attacks, unfortunately, this is the reality of Ukrainian business formation. I think they will be buried in the history as one of the stages of overcoming obstacles, and now our company will be able to work fully at a higher level, not only in our own Mykolayiv region. We are patriots of the city, patriots of the region, patriots of Ukraine, and I know that we will be able to do very serious things together with our regional administration, and not only in our region”, – said O. Vadaturskyy.   He added that Ukrainian agrarians have already felt the economic effect of the implementation of investment project of the company, its value has already reached USD 300 million. Agricultural producers will reduce freight costs and increase revenue to UAH 50 per ton by sending grain to the elevators and river terminals of “NIBULON”. Then grain is shipped along Dnipro in non-self-propelled vessels of the company and sent for export.   “After we have started to implement the program, the agrarians’ income has increased by about UAH 50 per ton of grain. It means that realizing of our program at 4,5 million tons of export multiplied by UAH 50, it will be UAH 225 million of net income for agrarians who work with us”- recalled O. Vadaturskyy. General Director of “NIBULON” and General Director of OJSC “Wadan Yards Okean” Hero of Ukraine Mykola Romanchuk signed a contract on construction of six unique sea tugs that meet the advanced requirements of navigation and will serve the fleet of  the agricultural company.   “NIBULON” has given a serious order to the shipbuilding yard “Wadan Yards Okean” thus creating the conditions for the preservation of the work collective of the yard, because it is very complicated and difficult to survive in the time of crisis. We found a common language and understanding. Today a contract for constructing of six pusher tugs has been signed. According to the full scheme of construction, key ready. Metal of Ukrainian manufacturer is bought for all 6 units. 2 units are being launched into production, and then the next 4”, – emphasized M. Romanchuk.    O. Vadaturskyy said that the construction of six seagoing tugs is an experimental project. Dutch government has devoted funds for its implementation in the amount of USD 42 million.   “We plan to complete the first two tugs by autumn, in order to test them in October, before ice conditions. The other four, I think can be completed during the winter period. Japanese, Dutch, American and German companies will supply equipment for tugs. Because our industry does not produce such powerful and modern equipment nowadays”, – said O. Vadaturskyy.    Within the frames of the largest investment project at a cost of USD 300 million, “NIBULON” creates its own fleet – 50 self-propelled and non-self-propelled vessels (including 14 tugs) with a total deadweight of more than 150 thousand tons. Vessels are made on the Ukrainian shipbuilding enterprises of domestic metal and will fly Ukrainian flag. In addition, in the central regions of Ukraine 8 elevators and river terminals will be constructed. Construction of a new transshipment terminal in Kamyanka-Dniprovs’ka town of Zaporizhzhya region is scheduled for completion at the end of April.   The investment project of the company has already received wide public recognition and due to its economic importance has become the winner in the nationwide program “Prometheus-Prestige” in the nomination “Investment of the Year”. However, company representatives note that this project is quite risky because of many obstacles on the part of bureaucracy and petty officials of marine economic complex. For this reason, the project needs to be reviewed and approved at the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. This project has already received the support of agrarians in the regions, as well as support at the Mykolayiv Regional Administration and other regions where the company carries on its investment business.    This project could become a “litmus test” for foreign investors, a symbol of the fact that Ukraine can invest and successfully implement large-scale investment projects, says General Director of “NIBULON”. Such creditors as Government of Denmark and the Netherlands, the World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the world’s leading banks and potential investors in the Ukrainian economy are keeping a wary eye on the project.   General Director of “NIBULON”, Hero of Ukraine Oleksiy Vadaturskyy also notes that after a long conflict with the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the company managed to find understanding with the new Minister Constyantyn Yefimenko. Last week the Minister personally met with General Director of “NIBULON” and expressed bewilderment about the obstacles that were created to the company by the previous ministry. Also, the head of the industry was closely acquainted with the investment project of the company and promised to take part in one of the closest events devoted to large-scale project, and personally visit “NIBULON”.