Over 30 Bulgarian ships blocked on the Danube in Hungary

More than 30 Bulgarian vessels are unable to continue their journey on the Hungarian section of the Danube due to navigation restrictions.

Bulgaria has appealed to Hungary to ensure the safe passage of the blocked vessels. This was reported by the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Bulgarian Transport Minister Georgi Peev had a telephone conversation with his Hungarian counterpart David Vitezi, during which he called for special time slots for the passage of vessels.

According to the Bulgarian agency, vessels have been unable to continue their routes for several weeks.

Earlier, Peev held a meeting with representatives of the Bulgarian Danube Chamber and shipowners. The participants reported that, in their opinion, the relevant section of the Danube remains navigable, and the main reason for the delays is the restrictions imposed by the Hungarian side due to dredging.

According to NOVA, according to a representative of the shipping industry, Veselin Rupchev, there are more than 30 blocked Bulgarian vessels in the Hungarian part of the Danube.

According to industry representatives, the restrictions are related, in particular, to hydraulic works near the Paks nuclear power plant. Shipowners note that alternative safe routes for the passage of vessels have not been provided at the moment.

Rupchev reported that his company has not received any income from transportation since July 26, while continuing to bear the costs of maintaining vessels, crews and operational activities.

The Bulgarian Danube Chamber called on the government to hold negotiations with Hungary and inform the European Commission about the problem. The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport stated that they are ready to raise the issue at the level of European institutions if a solution is not found in the near future.

In addition, a meeting of the Danube Commission with the participation of hydraulic experts is scheduled for November 9. It is expected that the Hungarian side will provide information on the progress of the work and the possibility of ensuring the passage of ships.

So far, no official decision has been announced on the opening of the passage for blocked ships.

Earlier, USM reported that waiting at Sulina could cost a ship $160,000 for 40 days.