The UK Hydrographic Office, an agency of the Ministry of Defence, has donated £1.6 million worth of equipment to the State Hydrographic Service of Ukraine.

The equipment — which includes two full single-beam echo sounder systems and two multibeam-echo sounder systems — will be used to carry out hydrographic surveys.

“This donation shows the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine,” said Baroness Goldie, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence.

“The equipment provided by the UK Hydrographic Office will contribute to the protection of ports and shipping lanes, helping Ukraine’s ships stay safe so they can move goods, including food supplies, in and out of the country.”

Along with the equipment and software, the State Hydrographic Service of Ukraine has been offered training on specialist courses delivered by the UK Hydrographic Office and the Royal Navy. The training will help develop the necessary skills to effectively use the donated equipment.

“The UK Hydrographic Office is steadfast in our support to our Ukrainian colleagues, and to the mariners and people of Ukraine,” said Peter Sparkes, Chief Executive, UK Hydrographic Office.

“This donation will give the State Hydrographic Service of Ukraine the necessary tools and training to maintain their international responsibilities as a coastal state through this challenging period.”