Turnbull Times – 17th Edition

Port of Constanța Strategic Expansion Fuels Opportunity

The Port of Constanța is charging into 2025 with significant upgrades that promise increased ship traffic, improved connectivity, and a greener future, amid global efforts to stabilize Black Sea shipping. For maritime experts at Turnbull Services, these developments spell opportunity. Here’s what's unfolding and how we're positioned to support your business.

1. Extension of the Free Zone Regime (February 2025)

On February 13, 2025, Romania’s Minister of Transport, Sorin Grindeanu, announced an extension of the free zone regime within the Constanța-Midia Port area, covering 7.7 million square meters. This integration of Midia Port territories aims to attract new investments, accelerate maritime commercial activities, and reinforce Constanța’s strategic role in Europe's transport network. The National Company "Administration of Maritime Ports" S.A. Constanța will oversee the area

2. Power Supply Upgrade for Shore-to-Ship Electricity (March 2025)

On March 21, 2025, the National Company "Administration of Maritime Ports" Constanța (CN APMC), secured an EU-funded contract worth over 86 million lei (€17.2 million) to implement shore-to-ship electricity connections. Awarded to a consortium led by Electromontaj SA, this project will equip 14 berths by December 2026, enabling ships to shut down engines while docked. The result: substantial reductions in emissions and noise pollution, aligning with the EU's Fit for 55 sustainability objectives. Construction begins in Q2 2025, significantly enhancing the port’s infrastructure and ecological footprint, further solidifying its critical position as a regional trade hub.

3. Rail Modernization at Constanța Port

A major rail infrastructure upgrade is underway at Constanța Port, spearheaded by CFR Infrastructura with the pivotal renovation of the Valu lui Traian station. This €81 million (402.3 million lei) project, partly funded by a €43.5 million EU military mobility grant and the Connecting Europe Facility, addresses congestion caused by the port's record 92.5 million tonnes of freight handled in 2023, including significant Ukrainian grain exports. Romanian firm BAWI Construction won the contract in early 2024 to build a new 32-line electrified rail yard, upgrade existing tracks, and ensure compliance with EU TSI and ERTMS Level 2 standards. Initiated in early 2025, construction is scheduled for completion around mid-2027, streamlining logistics, cutting transit times, and enhancing Constanța’s role as a vital logistical gateway.

4. Black Sea Talks Signal Stability

On March 24-25, 2025, U.S.-brokered talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Riyadh culminated in a critical maritime ceasefire agreement for the Black Sea. Despite continued drone strikes, both nations pledged to halt naval attacks and maintain safe shipping lanes critical for global trade. Effective immediately, as confirmed by Ukraine’s President Zelensky, the agreement restricts military use of commercial vessels. While Russia conditions full compliance on relief from agricultural export sanctions, this development could substantially boost maritime traffic through Constanța, easing regional tensions.

Conclusion

With expanded free zones, advanced shore-to-ship electrification, critical rail modernization, diplomatic progress toward regional stability, and reinforced maritime security, the Port of Constanța is set to become a premier logistics and maritime hub in the Black Sea region. These strategic enhancements represent not only growth but a transformative opportunity for businesses ready to capitalize on Constanța's promising future

Bibliography
  • Romania Dispatch. (2025, March 24). Romania signs €17.2M contract for shore-to-ship electricity at Constanța Port. Link
  • Railway Pro. (2025, March 26). Constanța Port secures €17.2 million for shore-to-ship power project. Link
  • Romania Insider. (2025, March 25). Constanța Port to get shore power supply for ships with EUR 17 mln EU funding. Link
  • Romania Insider. (2023). Romania’s Constanța Port sees record traffic thanks to EU investments. Link
  • Romania Insider. (2024). Romania secures EU funds for transport infrastructure. Link
  • The Romania Journal. (2025, February 13). Constanta Port expands with 7.7 M sqm of free zone. Link
  • Euromaidan Press. (2025, March 24). US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia pursue Black Sea maritime ceasefire. Link
  • Euronews. (2025, March 11). Ukraine-US talks in Saudi Arabia focus on ceasefire and minerals deal. Link
  • Reuters. (2025, March 24). US, Russia wrap up talks on proposed Black Sea ceasefire. Link
  • Romania Dispatch. (2025, March 24). Romania signs €17.2M contract for shore-to-ship electricity at Constanța Port [X post]. Link
  • Associated Press. (2024, October 23). Romanian government to approve railroad funding for Black Sea port of Constanta. Link
  • Dinu, C. (2024, October 25). Constanta port to get new 150 million euro rail access. RailFreight.com. Link
  • Popescu, A. (2024, October 24). Constanta port aims to transform into a Black Sea logistic hub. SAFETY4SEA. Link
  • Chambers, S. (2024, October 24). Transformation of Constanta port accelerates. Splash247. Link
  • New York Post. (2025, March 25). Russia, Ukraine agree to Black Sea truce, US says. Link
  • BURSA.ro. (2022, December 22). Bani europeni pentru modernizarea infrastructurii feroviare destinată Portului Constanţa. Link
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