The Romanian Government in Talks to Acquire the Giurgiulești Port in the Republic of Moldova

The Romanian government is set to discuss an important memorandum on Wednesday regarding the acquisition of the Giurgiulești International Free Port in the Republic of Moldova from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

According to the government agenda, this acquisition would be carried out through the National Company “Maritime Ports Administration” S.A. Constanța, a commercial enterprise under the authority of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

Currently, the Giurgiulești International Free Port is operated by Danube Logistics SRL, which is owned by the EBRD. The memorandum on the government’s agenda aims to approve the initiation of negotiations with the EBRD for the purchase of the shares held by the bank in Danube Logistics SRL, enabling the Romanian state to take control of the port.

This strategic move was first announced by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu in September 2023, in the context of Romania’s ambition to become a major logistical and commercial hub in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. The Prime Minister highlighted the critical importance of Constanța Port and mentioned that Romania had already initiated discussions with the EBRD to purchase Giurgiulești Port.

“We must realize that Constanța Port is strategic at this moment. I don’t know what will happen with Odessa. There is also a smaller port in the Republic of Moldova, Giurgiulești, and through the Minister of Transport, Romania has already expressed its interest to the EBRD, as the majority shareholder in Giurgiulești, to purchase it for the Romanian state and to develop it,” Prime Minister Ciolacu said on Digi 24.

The Giurgiulești International Free Port is a strategic logistics hub located on the maritime section of the Danube River. With a water depth of up to 7 meters, the port can accommodate both river and sea vessels, providing a critical connection for Moldova’s exports and imports. Acquiring this port would significantly enhance Romania’s capacity to manage trade flows in the Black Sea region and along the Danube, particularly in light of current geopolitical challenges.

This project could have major economic implications, contributing to the development of Romania’s transport infrastructure and strengthening commercial and economic ties with the Republic of Moldova. Furthermore, acquiring the port would provide Romania with an additional strategic advantage in managing regional trade, especially in the context of tensions in the Black Sea area and the conflict in Ukraine.