Authorities at the Port of Constanta, located in Romania, reported a notable increase of 50% in grain exports last year. This growth was driven by the increase in shipments from Ukraine, as well as the advancement of infrastructure projects financed by the European Union (EU), according to information released by Reuters.
The Port of Constanta, strategically positioned on the Black Sea, recorded the export of 36 million tons of grain in 2023. Notably, Ukraine was responsible for 14 million of these tons, equating to almost 40% of the total exported, as reported by the port authority to Reuters.
Ukraine, recognized as one of the world's largest grain exporters, has used Constanta as its main alternative export route after the Russian invasion in February 2022. Grains reach the Romanian port by various means – roads, railways and ferries via Danube – details the report.
Sea corridors and infrastructure investments boost Ukrainian grain exports despite conflicts
However, since July last year, a reduction in the volume of Ukrainian grain transit has been observed due to Russian attacks on Ukrainian river ports. In response, in August, Ukraine established a shipping corridor from its ports on the western coast of the Black Sea, close to Romania and Bulgaria. This development came shortly after Russia withdrew from a UN-brokered Black Sea grain export deal in 2022, as pointed out by Reuters.
As of January 10, the date of the report, Ukraine managed to export 10 million tons of agricultural products through this corridor. At the same time, the Romanian government aims to increase Ukrainian grain exports to 4 million tons/month by improving rail and road infrastructure near the port.
EU projects in Constanta, Romania total US$598.47 million, with a further €218 million outstanding. Southern Danube Canal becomes operational after team training.
Finally, freight traffic in Constanta was 92.5 million tons in 2023, an increase of 22.5% compared to the previous year.
Source: Oils & Fats International
