Romania – Republic of Moldova Relations Strengthened through Strategic Investments | Port of Constanța Acquires Giurgiulești International Free Port

The Constanța Maritime Ports Administration takes a decisive step to strengthen bilateral relations between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, after the Council for the Examination of Investments Important for State Security approved the acquisition request of Danube Logistics, the operator of the Giurgiulești International Free Port, previously owned by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

A Transaction with Strategic and Geopolitical Significance

This transaction marks an important moment in the logistic and economic integration of the two countries amid a regional context requiring enhanced security and diversification of trade routes. Danube Logistics operates the only maritime port of the Republic of Moldova, and its acquisition by a Romanian state institution reflects a solid strategic partnership.

Final details regarding the transaction formalities will be announced by the involved parties.

Over €24 Million Investment Planned for Development and Modernization

Port of Constanța plans to invest over €24 million in modernizing and expanding the infrastructure of the Giurgiulești International Free Port. Major objectives include:

• developing a ramp terminal;

• building a container terminal;

• modernizing railway infrastructure;

• expanding storage spaces;

• digitizing port activities;

• implementing solutions for energy efficiency and green transition.

Acquisition Timeline and Coordination with the Moldovan Government

The official offer from Port of Constanța to acquire ICS Danube Logistics was submitted on April 24, 2025. Earlier that month, on April 14, EBRD launched a public tender to find a new investor, fully coordinated with Moldovan authorities.

Since 2021, when EBRD has managed the port, efficiency and profitability have increased, making it a key logistic hub in the region, especially given current geopolitical challenges.

Giurgiulești Port Complex – A Strategic Gateway on the Danube

The complex is located on the maritime sector of the Danube River and on the Prut River, consisting of:

• Giurgiulești International Free Port, owned by EBRD (currently being acquired);

• Giurgiulești Goods and Passenger Port, owned by the Republic of Moldova.

The port can accommodate maritime vessels able to transit the Sulina Canal draft limits as well as inland navigation vessels, making it a vital multimodal hub connecting the Black Sea with Central and Eastern Europe.

Romania Expands Economic Partnership with Moldova

Through this acquisition, Romania not only consolidates its geo-economic position in the Black Sea and Danube basin but also strengthens its strategic partnership with the Republic of Moldova. Integrating Giurgiulești Port into the Port of Constanța network will facilitate:

• enhanced trade connectivity between the two countries;

• attracting new investments in cross-border infrastructure;

• boosting Moldovan exports and imports on international markets.

Conclusion: A Step Forward for Integrated Regional Infrastructure

The acquisition of Danube Logistics by the Constanța Maritime Ports Administration represents a defining moment in the economic cooperation between Romania and the Republic of Moldova and the expansion of critical logistic infrastructure in a region with significant growth potential.

The planned investments will help modernize regional supply chains, increase economic resilience, and position the Port of Constanța as a regional leader in maritime and intermodal transport.