Situation at Reni Port Due to Romania's Expansion Requires State-Level Intervention – City Council

The Reni Port is currently facing a complex economic situation that has been significantly impacted by Romania's recent purchase of the Moldovan port of Giurgiulești. This development has prompted local authorities to call for immediate intervention at the state level, as reported by Bessarabia INFORM. The Reni City Council has formally addressed the Ukrainian Parliament and the Cabinet of Ministers, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Local deputies emphasized that following the launch of Ukraine's 'grain corridor,' a substantial portion of cargo traffic has been redirected to the deep-water ports of the Odesa region. This shift has resulted in a noticeable decrease in cargo handling at Reni Port, raising concerns among local officials about the port's future viability.

According to the deputies, the primary reason for Reni Port's loss of competitiveness is its current status as the most expensive in terms of state fees compared to Izmail and foreign competitor ports such as Giurgiulești, Galați, and Brăila. This unfavorable position threatens the port's ongoing development and operational sustainability.

Moreover, the deputies pointed out that the new owner of Giurgiulești is planning significant investments aimed at modernizing the infrastructure and integrating this facility into the logistics network of the Constanța port. Such advancements could further complicate the situation for Reni Port, as the enhanced competitiveness of the Romanian port may lead to an even greater decline in cargo volumes.

In their appeal, the city council urged the government to abolish unreasonable transit fees for vessels navigating the Izmail port waters en route to Reni, as well as to optimize pilotage services. The deputies believe that these measures could substantially improve operational conditions for Reni Port.

Among other demands, the deputies called for alignment with the Moldovan side on tariff policies for railway transit and the resolution of legislative discrepancies regarding the allocation of the port's land area exceeding 94 hectares to attract investments. They assert that these steps are essential for enhancing the port's investment appeal.

The deputies are convinced that implementing the proposed measures will facilitate the proper functioning of Reni Port as a strategic element of the Danube logistics route. They believe that this will also strengthen Ukraine's export capabilities, which is particularly crucial given the current economic challenges.

Thus, the situation at Reni Port remains tense, and the deputies are hopeful for a prompt response from state authorities to halt further declines in competitiveness and ensure the stable development of this vital infrastructure asset.