Romania expands transit of Ukrainian grain: plans and prospects

Romania intends to double the monthly volume of Ukrainian grain transit to its key Black Sea port of Constanta via the Danube River, reaching 4 million tons. Reuters reports this with reference to statements by Romanian Transport Minister Sorin Grindeanu.

Ukraine, one of the world's leading grain exporters, produces significant volumes of grain, so a large part of its exports was sent through the "grain corridor" to the Danube ports, which passed through Romania. The project was supported by the previous grain agreement, which was changed with Russia's withdrawal from it.

Romanian Transport Minister Sorin Grindeanu said that thanks to the new infrastructure, including increased personnel and the expansion of the Sulin Canal on the Danube River Route, Romania plans to increase the volume of grain transit from Ukraine.

"We have already identified measures that will help us make a big leap from over 2 million tons per month to almost 4 million tons in the coming months," he said after meeting with representatives of the EU, the US, Moldova and Ukraine.

The increase in transit capacity will involve infrastructure improvements, such as 60 additional pilots for Romania's Danube Agency to escort ships through the Sulina Canal. This EU-funded project also includes night navigation on the Sulina and is due to be completed in October.

Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov noted that the Danube remains an important logistical route for the export of Ukrainian agricultural products. At the same time, Ukraine is interested in the possibility of expanding the area for roadside transshipment of ships in Romanian waters, in particular around the port of Constanta and near the Sulina Canal.

The port of Constanta, which is becoming the main alternative route for Ukrainian grain after Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal, may face restrictions due to the increase in grain harvest in Romania. This restriction may affect transit opportunities and ensure its sustainable capacity for Ukrainian grain.