Investment in infrastructure is an opportunity for regional leadership

The Port of Constanta is currently developing. Cargo traffic increased 21 percent in 2023, from 75.5 million tonnes in 2022 to 92 million tonnes in the just-ended year. Constanta serves as a gateway to the Romanian market and other southern markets, such as Hungary and Austria. Additionally, this port is crucial for transportation between Romania and Ukraine. Undoubtedly, the crisis in the Red Sea and significant restrictions on sailing through the Suez Canal raise questions about how the port will be affected. It is crucial for the terminal’s development that the situation stabilizes.

The investments announced for the near future in developing Romania’s transport infrastructure are highly anticipated and necessary for the economy’s growth and smooth trade between Asia and Europe. Next year, a new port will be built on the Poarta Alba-Midia Navodari canal to increase Romania’s transit capacity and relieve congestion at the Port of Constanta. The Port of Luminita will be expanded to increase the capacity for goods transported by inland waterway. The two projects will cost more than 200 million lei (around €40 million) and will be funded by the European Union. Additionally, the opening of the 500 km A7 motorway between Constanta and Pașcani will facilitate transport between Romania and Ukraine.

Today, we are seeing an increase in commercial inquiries from Ukraine. In the future, Romania and Poland will also play crucial roles as logistics hubs for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Undoubtedly, Romania also needs to invest in rail infrastructure to increase port capacity and develop intermodal transportation, which is becoming more popular due to its reduced carbon footprint.

At Rohlig SUUS Logistics, we provide a comprehensive logistics service to our customers (including sea, road, air, rail, and intermodal freight, warehousing, as well as consulting services), so we are very pleased with these investment plans, e.g. rad and sea infrastructure. These improvements will directly increase our operational capabilities in the region.

Author: Dragos Boranda, Managing Director Romania at Rohlig SUUS Logistics