Romania to increase capacity of key grain route from Ukraine

Romania is planning to expand one of the key transit routes for grain exports from Ukraine after Russia disrupted the grain deal and blockaded the Black Sea. Romanian Foreign Minister Luminica Odobescu said in an interview with Bloomberg.

According to her, Bucharest “is in close contact with Ukraine to determine the best options for increasing and accelerating this transit.”

“The security situation is certainly not easy, but we are very determined to continue to help Ukraine,” she added.

It is noted that the Black Sea port in Constanta, which was modernized by Romania, is currently the best option for Ukrainian companies due to its proximity and cost.

Bucharest has increased the capacity of the port in Constanta and restored the closed railway connection with Ukraine, and is working to attract much-needed pilots to guide ships through the Sulinsky Canal to Ukrainian ports on the Danube River.

According to Gabriel Covrig, the Romanian official in charge of pilotage, the number of pilots on the river canal in Romania will gradually increase to 60 from the current 40 in August by returning retired naval officers and captains, which will increase the canal’s capacity by 50%.

As you know, Ukraine is forced to export agricultural products by land and river transport after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and began shelling Ukrainian ports, blocking maritime exports.

Tags: Ukraine, export, Romania, Constanta, Danube ports