Cargo traffic is temporarily blocked on the Danube towards the port of Constanta

Cargo traffic on the Danube towards the port of Constanta is blocked at the 280th kilometer after an incident with a river vessel.

This was reported by AGERPRES, citing the Constanța Port Business Association (CPBA).

The incident occurred on October 6, when a river vessel with excessive draft damaged the shipping channel, after which the movement of cargo towards Constanta was stopped.

The CPBA stated that as of October 8, no operational measures had been taken to restore shipping and carry out the necessary dredging work. Port operators called on the authorities to urgently intervene and publish a work schedule.

The blockade is already affecting the operation of the port of Constanta. Seagoing vessels waiting for cargo delivered by the Danube are forced to stay in the port longer and incur additional costs, including demurrage.

The CPBA also stressed that the situation complicates the transportation of Ukrainian grain.

“At the same time, the shipping blockade affects the transportation of Ukrainian grain to international markets and the continuity of the logistics corridor necessary for food security at the international level. Ensuring shipping on the Danube is an important condition for the effective functioning of the port of Constanta and the competitiveness of Romania as a regional transport and logistics center,” the CPBA noted.

The association also appealed to the competent authorities with a request to promptly intervene to restore shipping conditions and river traffic.

Earlier, USM reported that Romania plans to accelerate grain exports through the port of Constanta. The Romanian Ministry of Transport will issue an order that provides for the planning of grain delivery to the port of Constantain accordance with the schedules of vessels that are to enter for loading.