Priority is already being applied to vessels carrying vegetable oil in Sulina

Sulina has already begun to give priority to vessels carrying vegetable oil.

This was reported by Avalon Shipping Operations Manager Kateryna Kononenko.

According to her, the priority for vessels carrying vegetable oil is already reflected in the USPA lists.

At the same time, if such a vessel is still far from Sulina or is not ready to pass, and a pilot is already available, it is sent to the next vessel in the queue.

Kononenko noted that she does not expect a significant impact of the new mechanism on overall traffic, since the share of vegetable oil in the cargo flow is significantly smaller than the share of grain.

As of October 26, about 80 vessels are in the Sulina roadstead, with about 25 more ready to leave.

At the same time, weather conditions are now significantly affecting vessel traffic. According to Kononenko, for the second day, thick fog in Tulcea has been delaying vessels heading from the 44th mile to pass through formalities for about half a day.

She emphasized that fog is currently a more significant factor for traffic than the new priority system.

The maximum safe draft is currently:

• Sulina – 7.01 m;

• Bystre – 5.5 m;

• Izmail – 44th mile – 6.7-6.8 m;

• 44th mile – Reni/Galați – 6.7 m.

Earlier, USM reported that freight on the Danube could increase after the government’s decision to prioritize oil exports.