Giurgiulești International Free Port (GIFP), the main sea-river port of the Republic of Moldova located on the Danube River, informs that its cargo transhipment volumes increased from 1.83 million tons in 2022 by 18.6% to a new record of 2.17 million tons in 2023, and furthermore the number of transhipped containers reached an all-time high of 8,460 units (8,646 TEU).
GIFP mentions that the the new record high was driven mainly by stronger exports of grains and seeds, which hiked by 55% last year reaching 889.000 tons, and corresponding to a share of 41% of total cargo volumes.
The import of petroleum products slightly increased by 4% resulting in a transhipment volume of 599.000 tons, comprising 28% of GIFP volumes. The increase in 2023 was further supported by sunflower oil exports growing by 26% year-on-year amounting to 248.000 tons.
Also the import of construction materials increased by 10% to 195.000 tons, and the import of fertilizer in big bags, dry bulk and liquid bulk continued to develop positively with an increase of 48% reaching a volume of 119.000 tons. Decreases are recorded for coal imports and scrap metal exports.
Danube Logistics SRL is since 2005 the general investor and operator of Giurgiulești International Free Port and developed the port into one of the most successful ports on the river Danube facilitating trade of Moldovan companies with international markets.
Danube Logistics SRL is wholly owned by the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV, but the sole ultimate owner of the Danube Logistics group of companies is the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Mathias von Tucher, general director of Danube Logistics SRL, said: “While the 2023 volumes include some transhipment volumes for and from Ukraine, in our future plans we focus on satisfying the needs of Moldovan importers and exporters. During the last two years we have increased our staff by 40% and we plan to keep it on this level.
“The strong increase of grain exports is mainly a result of the recent investments made in new grain storage facilities in the port. In order to increase the grain loading capacity at our cargo terminal we procured a high-capacity shiploader.
“At the same time, we finalize the preparation for the construction of a new universal berth with the aim to increase the transshipment capacity for dry bulk, general cargo and containers by 600 thousand tons annually. In parallel we plan to increase the efficiency by increasing the level of automatization at the liquid bulk railway terminal and digitalization of terminal processes. The aim is better service for Moldovan clients by higher available capacity and efficiency,” Mathias von Tucher added.
