Increasing throughput capacity will allow for higher export transshipment volumes
Ukraine is initiating negotiations with Romania to increase the throughput of the Sulina Canal. The key measure to improve logistics on the Danube is the implementation of night navigation. This was reported by Ukrinform citing Vitalii Nikula, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The Sulina Canal remains a critical logistics hub, providing a connection between the Danube and the Black Sea for the Ukrainian port cluster. As reported by the director of the Izmail Commercial Sea Port, Vitalii Nikula, state agencies of Ukraine and Romania are currently conducting negotiations on optimizing the operation of this transport artery.
Expansion of Danube capacity
A wide range of goods, including mineral fertilizers and building materials, is transported through this channel, with the maximum permissible ship draft limited to seven meters. Establishing contacts between relevant ministries and the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority is aimed at resolving issues with throughput, which is the main barrier to the full functioning of export and import operations.
Night navigation regime
The introduction of night navigation is considered one of the most realistic steps for increasing goods transshipment volumes. According to Vitalii Nikula, this decision will allow for a significant increase in the efficiency of Danube ports, enabling the processing of a much larger quantity of cargo throughout the day.
Seasonal challenges and modernization
In addition to infrastructure constraints, ports on the Danube have faced critical river shallowing caused by a seasonal drop in water levels. Under such conditions, barge loading has been reduced by nearly three times — from a potential 2,500 tons to 750–800 tons of grain.
Parallel to operational issues, port management emphasizes the importance of updating the transshipment equipment. While the current hardware is maintained in working order by their own efforts, attracting investment for technical base modernization remains a pressing task to ensure stable operation of the enterprise.
Photo: Ukrinform
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