Romania completes the acquisition of Giurgiulești Port, the only port of the Republic of Moldova, strengthening its strategic position in the Danube and Black Sea region

Romania has completed the takeover process of the operator of Giurgiulești Port, namely ICS Danube Logistics, through the National Company “Constanța Maritime Ports Administration.”

The Minister of Transport, Ciprian Șerban, described the transaction as an important strategic investment with regional and European impact.

The strategic importance of the port

Romanian authorities consider this acquisition necessary in the context of competition between the Port of Constanța and other ports in the Black Sea region and the EU. The aim is to expand Constanța’s logistical influence in Central and Southeastern Europe and to adapt to new transport routes. Giurgiulești Port is seen as playing an increasingly important role in the region, including for future reconstruction projects in Ukraine.

Development and integration plans

Romania has committed to the modernization and expansion of the port’s capacity, with long-term investments. Stronger integration of Giurgiulești into regional transport networks is being considered, including possible road infrastructure projects between Galați and Giurgiulești or cooperation with the Port of Galați for complementary operations.

Regional infrastructure context

Giurgiulești Port could become a better-connected logistics hub within the European network, strengthening its role as an access point for the Republic of Moldova to the European Union and increasing its importance in regional transport.

Port structure and legal context

Currently, two separate entities operate in Giurgiulești: the International Free Port, managed by Danube Logistics and owned by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the state-owned port, which belongs to the Government of the Republic of Moldova. Only the private operator was involved in this transaction; the state port was not put up for sale. Romania expressed its intention to acquire it in 2023, and negotiations were approved in 2024.