ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF UKRAINE SEA PORTS IN CONDITIONS OF REALIZATION OF INNOVATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Introduction. The task of efficient utilization of the potential of maritime navigation is a priority, since it is one of the levers of development of the Ukrainian economy. The highest rates of economic growth were achieved by those countries which, in the first phase, without even having such a cargo base in Ukraine, concentrated their efforts on the development of seaports and related economic spheres, including transport service. The purpose of the article is to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the economic potential of Ukrainian seaports in terms of innovative opportunities. Results. According to the results of the research, it is determined that the national system of seaports of Ukraine is formed by 18 production units located on the whole coast of the country. The author analyzes the structure of cargo maritime transport, identifies key factors of success of seaports, examines the structure of the maritime trade market, evaluates the design capacity and utilization of domestic seaports for the period 2014-2018, identifies priority areas for innovative development of seaports of Ukraine: attracting more capital investments in new facilities and equipment in order to expand cargo handling capacities, in particular in concession; ensuring the creation of new competitive positions in the context of integrating innovation in the use of smart technologies; active participation in international organizations in order to create conditions for transboundary movements of cargoes and to bring standards of operation of seaports in compliance with European requirements.