UDS calls on the port of Constanta to allow the creation of a raid for Ukrainian grain
18.09.2023 - 14:20
The Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company calls on the management of the port of Constanta to grant permission for the creation of a raid transshipment for Ukrainian grain.
This year and next, Ukraine should export more than 5 million tons of agricultural products every month. The main burden falls on Danube logistics, and other areas are too costly, the UDS said.
About 1.2 million tons are exported through the Sulina canal every month. 1.3 million tons goes through the Romanian port of Constanta. Exports through the Danube ports should increase by at least 50%.
To achieve this, it is necessary to expand Romania’s port capacity. The river fleet accounts for 60% of the grain export flow through Constanta. Every month, barge caravans deliver more than 700,000 tons of agricultural products to the Romanian port.
If Constanta allows the development of raid transshipment, the yearlings are ready to increase volumes by another 500,000 tons.
Why raid transshipment?
The Port of Constanta has always focused on the development of terminals that handle grain from road and rail transport. Barges were considered as a secondary option, an addition to the main stream.
The UDS said that sea vessels in the port are being loaded one by one. Barge caravans wait until a free “window” appears. Last year, UDS barges stayed in Constanta for up to 60 days, waiting for unloading.
Currently, there are about 600 barges in the port of Constanta. Some wait for weeks.
The port does not create new anchorages, because it believes that the capacities of the terminals are sufficient, and it is necessary to work only with coordination. Terminals are responsible for downtime and are interested in working faster.
UDS partners have created a project for the organization of three more anchorages, one of which should be assigned to Ukraine. The company assured that they already have a pool of interested investors and carriers.
The project does not threaten the owners of the terminals, because it is an additional export flow from Ukraine, which today simply does not enter Constanta.
Subject to the agreement of the Romanian side, the UDS is ready to initiate the creation of a Ukrainian port operator in Constanta.
