Today, Danube Logistics has organized a training session dedicated to the employees at Giurgiulești International Free Port, in collaboration with the Association of Rescuers and Volunteers AO Be Safe and AO Pro-Lumina. The activity aimed to consolidate knowledge and skills in providing pre-medical first aid, as well as in managing emergency situations, with the ultimate goal of ensuring safety and protecting life in challenging circumstances.

The main topics covered in the training session included:

• — recognizing and differentiating situations that require first aid intervention;
• — correctly assessing the severity of the victim’s condition and applying appropriate first aid techniques;
• — securing the recovery position, stopping bleeding, circulatory shock, myocardial infarction, electrocution accidents, removing a motorcyclist’s helmet, animal bites, fractures, burns, etc.;
• — the practical application of resuscitation principles and the theoretical knowledge acquired.

The main objective of our training was to ensure that each department has staff capable of responding effectively in an emergency situation. At the same time, the activity aimed to prevent and reduce risks that could lead to exceptional situations by strengthening a safe and responsible working environment.

In accordance with the approved plan for preparedness and cooperation in emergency situations, a drill was conducted at the Oil Terminal within Giurgiulești International Free Port (GIFP) on the topic of Dealing with the consequences of an emergency situation caused by a fire at the tank farm.

The drill brought together intervention forces and resources from the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) and the Volunteer Firefighters (VF) of the Oil Terminal at GIFP, with the aim of training the intervention teams and developing the skills necessary to manage complex, realistic situations.

The objectives of the drill were as follows:

• — Operational cooperation between IGSU intervention teams, company management, and emergency response services;
• — Practicing first response actions in accordance with the company’s operational plan;
• — Identifying and removing any imperfections in order to improve operational capabilities;
• — Testing new tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as checking the available equipment;
• — Strengthening the level of interaction and interoperability of the intervention forces.

All the participants duly fulfilled their responsibilities, demonstrating good professional training and mobilization appropriate to the requirements of such situations. Communication between the IGSU and VF subdivisions was effective, and the response time was within the established parameters.

The drill enabled the proper evaluation of the necessary resources, the process of fire source identification and the coordination of the response actions. The quality of the information flow during the response was verified as well.

The drill was successfully carried out, fully achieving its objectives. It contributed to increasing the preparedness of the personnel and strengthening the cooperation between the IGSU and the Volunteer Firefighters of the Oil Terminal, thus enhancing our response capacity in case of emergencies.

VIDEO — Emergency Fire Drill — Oil Terminal — GIFP — 19.09.2025

Danube Logistics, general investor and operator of Giurgiulești International Free Port, has obtained the EN ISO 50001:2018 certification on 25th June, 2025. The certification, issued by SRAC and IQNet, was formally handed over yesterday by Mihail Căpățână, Commercial Director of SRAC, to Mathias von Tucher, General Director of Danube Logistics SRL, at the company’s office in Chișinău.

The ISO 50001 certification, granted by SRAC and IQNet, recognizes our efforts to improve energy management and increase energy efficiency in our operations. SRAC (Romanian Association for Quality Assurance) is a reputable accreditation body recognized internationally for certifying organizations across various sectors, and IQNet (International Certification Network) is a global network of leading certification bodies, renowned for certifying management systems worldwide. The accreditation by both bodies ensures that our certification meets the highest international standards of quality and reliability.

Our organization has been proactively implementing an EnMS since 2016, demonstrating our long-term commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. In consequence, we have been able to systematize monitoring and to control energy consumption, to identify the main energy consumers, and to develop measures to optimize and to decrease energy use. Concrete examples of improvements include the switch from traditional lighting technology in buildings and on the port territory to LED technology and the gradual substitution of fuel-powered cargo handling equipment with electrical-powered equipment. The ISO 50001 certification helps us to pursue a structured approach to integrate energy efficiency in our business processes, to increase the awareness of our employees and to continue to optimize our energy consumption.

ISO 50001 is an international standard that provides organizations with a structured framework to establish, implement, maintain, and improve an Energy Management System (EnMS). Since its introduction in 2011 and the updated version EN ISO 50001:2018 in 2018, this standard helps organizations systematically monitor, control, and optimize their energy use, leading to significant improvements in energy performance, cost savings, and environmental impact.

Danube Logistics remains committed to implementing best practices that benefit our clients, partners, and the community, ensuring a greener and more efficient future for Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

The Danube Logistics Carbon Footprint Report 2024 is already the 9th consecutive edition publishing the annual greenhouse gas emissions of the company’s activities in Giurgiulești International Free Port since 2016. The regular publication reflects the company’s policy for transparency and its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strive for environmental sustainability.

In 2024, Danube Logistics reduced its total greenhouse gas emissions by 23% compared to 2023, amounting to 1,253.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. Key improvements include the adoption of energy-efficient cargo handling equipment, such as electrical conveyor belts for grain loading replacing fuel-powered cranes and material handlers leading to reduced fuel consumption across port activities. Consequently, the CO2e per ton of handled cargo decreased by 15% confirming the trend of previous years.

For the first time the Carbon Footprint Report includes estimations of emissions originating from other companies with residence status in Giurgiulești International Free Port. For those interested in a deeper understanding of the port’s emissions, the full 2024 Carbon Footprint Report is available here.

Last week, GIFP welcomed a delegation from the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Moldova, led by Ambassador H.E. Almat Aidarbekov. During the visit, the Ambassador discussed with our General Director, Mathias von Tucher, about the port’s infrastructure, logistics conditions and operational activities.

GIFP has a long-standing and successful collaboration with Kazakh business partners, particularly with Rompetrol owned by KazMunayGas JSC, Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas operator and one of the largest importers of fuel in the Republic of Moldova. In addition, the Kazakh company Temirzhol Zhondeu has been importing large quantities of rails via GIFP for the rehabilitation of the southern railway corridor Bender-Basarabeasca-Etulia-Giurgiulești, totalling 233 km in length and co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

In the context of a growing interest from business communities in both countries in establishing commercial ties, Ambassador Aidarbekov emphasised the significance of GIFP as a potential logistics hub within the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) respectively the “Middle Corridor”, a project in which Kazakhstan is playing a leading role. Anticipating a potentially stronger collaboration with GIFP, the Kazakh Ambassador noted that the port could serve as an additional route for delivering Kazakhstani products to European Union markets.

In the context of Moldova’s move towards a circular economy through the adoption of the concept of Eco-Industrial Parks (EIP), a national training dedicated to the application of circular economy principles in industry was organised in Chisinau on 8 May, with the support of UNIDO and the Swiss Government.

Among almost 70 participants who attended the training were our Danube Logistics representatives who took an active part in the sessions and exercises. The topics addressed — waste reduction, reuse of resources, industrial symbiosis and energy efficiency — are particularly relevant for the sustainable development of GIFP as part of a modern and responsible logistics network.

The event brought together international experts and representatives of national authorities, who emphasised the benefits of business-to-business collaboration for reducing environmental impact and creating added value. GIFP representative, Svetlana Știrbu, appreciated the training organised by UNIDO and proposed to continue these sessions, including on applied topics such as waste management in the oil industry. Danube Logistics’ participation in this event reflects the company’s commitment to the sustainable transformation of the logistical and industrial infrastructure in the south of the country. Through access to best practices and technical support, GIFP is aiming at becoming a key actor in Moldova’s transition towards a green, competitive and European-aligned economic model.

For more info, please see the material published by PRO TV.

Today we have finalized an essential course that has complemented the skills of the Danube Logistics team at our Oil Terminal with important information on the operation and maintenance of technical installations and technological systems used in oil product storage facilities. Our trainees will be passing an attestation exam to get their operation permits after this course which is mandatory in accordance with art. 19 of Law 151/2022 on the safe operation of industrial objectives and potentially dangerous technical installations as well as the Regulation regarding the attestation of staff working in the field of industrial safety, approved through Government Resolution no. 467/2024.

The course covered aspects of fundamental industrial safety rules for high-risk industrial objects, physico-chemical properties of oil products, organization and operation of oil product storage facilities, safety rules for receiving, transshipment and storage of oil products.

Special attention was paid to the particularities of oil products such as volatility, flammability and chemical stability, the correct handling of products during the transshipment to prevent spills, fires and accidents and the maintenance of pumping stations in optimal condition. A special role in the course was given to the topic of emergency management with a detailed coverage of protective measures and mandatory procedures to prevent incidents.

The practical and interactive approach in the presentation of the course materials provided our trainees with a consistent opportunity to strengthen their professional skills, which are the foundation of the safety of technological processes at our Petroleum Products Terminal at GIFP.

ÎCS Danube Logistics SRL, the general investor and operator of Giurgiulești International Free Port (GIFP), informs that the Environmental Agency of the Republic of Moldova approved the implementation of the planned activity «Completion of the construction works of the general cargo and container terminal quay Phase II of GIFP, Giurgiulești village, Cahul district». While Phase I of the GIFP quay project, the general cargo and container terminal, is operated at full capacity, the second phase will add another 70 m of quay wall as foreseen in the original port project in order to remove impediments of navigation and increase the transshipment capacity of the port.

Environmental Authorization no. 10/2296 issued by the Environmental Agency on 04.03.2025 is available here.

Yesterday, 5 December 2024, the Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea visited GIFP accompanied by the State Secretary for Transport Mircea Păscăluță, the Head of Naval Agency Igor Zaharia, and several representatives of the Ministry and the Naval Agency.

During the visit, Danube Logistics’ general director Mathias von Tucher and deputy general director Ala Aydov discussed with Minister Vladimir Bolea opportunities and challenges of the future development and covered several important topics. Danube Logistics management reiterated the necessity to ensure the efficiency of road and railway connections to the port and pointed out the importance of finalizing the M3 road construction and the repair of the railway section at the village of Văleni. Also, Danube Logistics presented the future investment plans with the aim to increase the handling capacity of cargo.

Minister Vladimir Bolea emphasized the important role of the port for securing the trade flows of essential goods to and from Moldova. The participants agreed that it is the objective to further strengthen and develop the port in order to increase the efficiency of the access to seaborne and inland shipping facilitating the trade of Moldovan importers and exporters.

Photo credit: Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development

We are transshipping at higher speed!

In addition to the previously purchased equipment for the simultaneous loading of two trucks, GIFP has recently purchased another piece of equipment in this category but with a higher operating capacity. This purchase left behind the previous transshipment rate of 280 tonnes/hour, unlocking for GIFP a new gross transshipment record of 400 tonnes per hour.

We are enhancing our performance at the service of Moldovan importers and exporters.

Danube Logistics has published its eighth annual Carbon Footprint Report in continuation of its long-running commitment to environmental protection and transparency in monitoring and reporting GHG emissions from its operations at Giurgiulești International Free Port.

The report for 2023 shows that the calculated CO2e emissions per tonne of cargo handled have continued to decrease as the increase of transshipment activities by 22.2% has outweighed the total increase in GHG emissions of 18.6%. Since 2016 the emissions decreased from 1.97 kg CO2e per tonne of cargo handled to 1.10 kg in 2023. This reduction reflects the increase of fuel efficiency of cargo handling equipment with higher volumes and further efficiency measures such as the use of newer lighting technology.

In late 2023, Danube Logistics took another step towards greener and more emission efficient operations at the cargo terminal with the purchase of a mobile grain ship loader. The electrically powered ship loader allows two trucks unloading grain simultaneously, achieving a real loading rate of up to 300 tonnes per hour.

https://gifp.md/en/wp-content/files_mf/1714396831CarbonFootprintReport2023.pdf

Cargo transhipment volumes via Giurgiulești International Free Port (GIFP) increased from 1.83 million tons in 2022 by 18.6% to a new record of 2.17 million tons in 2023. In addition, the number of transhipped containers reached an all-time high of 8,460 units (8,646 TEU).

The new record high was driven mainly by stronger exports of grains and seeds, which hiked by 55% last year reaching 889 thousand tons and corresponding to a share of 41% of total cargo volumes. The import of petroleum products slightly increased by 4% resulting in a transhipment volume of 599 thousand tons comprising 28% of GIFP volumes. The increase in 2023 was further supported by sunflower oil exports growing by 26% year-on-year amounting to 248 thousand tons. Further, the import of construction materials increased by 10% to 195 thousand tons, and the import of fertilizer in big bags, dry bulk and liquid bulk continued to develop positively with an increase of 48% reaching a volume of 119 thousand tons. Decreases are recorded for coal imports and scrap metal exports.

Mathias von Tucher, General Director of Danube Logistics SRL, commented: “While the 2023 volumes include some transhipment volumes for and from Ukraine, in our future plans we focus on satisfying the needs of Moldovan importers and exporters. During the last two years we have increased our staff by 40% and we plan to keep it on this level. The strong increase of grain exports is mainly a result of the recent investments made in new grain storage facilities in the port. In order to increase the grain loading capacity at our cargo terminal we procured a high-capacity shiploader. At the same time, we finalize the preparation for the construction of a new universal berth with the aim to increase the transshipment capacity for dry bulk, general cargo and containers by 600 thousand tons annually. In parallel we plan to increase the efficiency by increasing the level of automatization at the liquid bulk railway terminal and digitalization of terminal processes. The aim is better service for Moldovan clients by higher available capacity and efficiency.”

Danube Logistics SRL is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulești International Free Port, the main sea-river port of the Republic of Moldova. Since 2005 Danube Logistics has developed the port into one of the most successful ports on the river Danube facilitating trade of Moldovan companies with international markets. Danube Logistics SRL is wholly owned by the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV. The sole ultimate owner of the Danube Logistics group of companies is the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Our General Director Mathias von Tucher offered an interview for the magazine Moldova în Progres on the vital role of GIFP as a connection to international markets (published in Moldova în Progres, issue 42).

GIFP: MOLDOVA’S VITAL CONNECTION TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

MP: What are the main activities of Giurgiulesti International Free Port?

GIFP is a strategically important logistics hub providing Moldovan importers and exporters with transhipment and warehousing services with access to a trimodal transport infrastructure. The port is located on the maritime section of the Danube river and allows the entry of river barges and seagoing vessels up to 7 m draught and vessels up to 10,000 tons respectively.

At the moment, GIFP offers transhipment services at four terminals: the import of petroleum products and liquid fertilizers as well as the export of sunflower oil at the oil terminal with a tank farm capacity of 45,000 tons for fuel, the export of grain and seeds at two grain terminals and a general cargo and container terminal where a broad range of various goods are transhipped. To these belong the import of coal, fertilizer, steel and various construction materials such sand, stones and gravel, and the export of again grain, DDGS and scrap metal.

In addition, the port is well connected with broad and narrow gauge railway lines. For example, there is a regular block train connection for transportation of containers between Giurgiulesti and the DPW container terminal in Constanta which helps to reduce the truck traffic and avoids extensive waiting times at the borders.

MP: How does the port compare with other ports in the region?

Even before the war in Ukraine in 2021 the transhipment volume of Giurgiulesti International Free Port amounted to more than 1.4 M tons of cargo which put the port even on the third rank of the Danube ports. Of course, with the beginning of the war the Ukrainian Danube ports multiplied their transhipment volumes while Giurgiulesti’s transhipment volume increased by 30% to more than 1.8 M tons in 2022, still ranking as number 4 of the Danube port. In the first half of 2023 we register a further growth of 6% surpassing 1 M tons of cargo transhipment. Although the physical extension of the shore line is restricted by the borders of Romania and Ukraine Giurgiulesti International Free Port is designed to satisfy entirely the needs of the Rep. of Moldova.

MP: How does the business park area of GIFP develop?

During the last few years, we have seen a substantial increase in investments in particular for the construction of grain storage facilities based on the sublease agreements we have with some of the largest Moldovan grain traders. Further companies have expressed interest in leasing GIFP land. Unfortunately, the current available territory is limited and we are in discussions with the government to expand the GIFP territory as provided for in the Host Investment Agreement.

MP: What is the impact of the war in Ukraine on the port operations, and how do you evaluate the recent attacks on the Ukrainian Danube ports?

The war in neighbouring Ukraine has massively changed the supply chains in the region and the Danube corridor became a major lifeline for Ukraine Giurgiulesti contributes to Ukrainian supply chains by exporting Ukrainian grain and sunflower oil and importing fuel for further transportation to Ukraine even when the volumes remain comparatively small. Nevertheless, in order to handle the additional volumes Danube Logistics ramped up its personnel by more than 25% and undertook several measures to extend the capacities of its services.

Of course, the recent attacks on the neighbouring port of Reni are worrying. Despite the substantial damages in Ukrainian Danube ports’ infrastructure the shipping activities between the Danube river ports and the Black Sea continue as usual. At the same time Ukraine, Moldova and Romania seek ways to further optimize the logistic connections. Supported by the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes Initiative the European Commission identifies bottlenecks and tries to reduce operational and administrative barriers.

MP: What is the contribution of Giurgiulesti International Free Port to the Moldovan economy?

First of all, Danube Logistics and other companies holding resident status in GIFP have invested more than USD 130 M into the port infrastructure and facilities. These investments enabled Moldovan businesses to import and export goods directly to and from Moldova without being dependent on using the ports of neighbourhood countries resulting in lower prices for imported goods and increased competitiveness of Moldovan exports. This advantage becomes even more visible in crisis situations as we currently experience when the Ukrainian ports are either closed or completely loaded due to the war. Second, the port brings a major contribution to the labour market with 650 jobs offered by Danube Logistics together with the resident companies of the port, which provide stable monthly incomes for the population of the southern part of the country. Third, Danube Logistics pays annual taxes and contributions of about 20 million lei to the state budget of Moldova, and in addition, there are taxes and fees paid by all other port residents. Overall, Moldova greatly benefits without having had the necessity to undertake own investments into the port.

MP: What are the transport destinations to/from the port?

The most important trading partner is Romania. The main reason is that in regard to many types of goods the port of Constanta is a main hub and Giurgiulesti a satellite port. For example, there are regular deliveries of fuel and coal from Constanta. Further, there are deliveries of construction material and in particular of aggregates from Romania to Giurgiulesti. Other important countries of origin are Turkey for fuel and Georgia for fertilizer. The main direct export destinations for grain on maritime vessels are North Africa, in particular Egypt, and the Near East, or via inland barges to Constanta for transhipment into large size vessels. Sunflower oil is usually directly delivered to Italy, Spain and Portugal. Scrap metal and DDGS are usually exported to Turkey.

MP: Are there any relations with the Italian business community?

There are not many direct trade flows between Moldova and Italia via Giurgiulesti International Free Port. As an example, there are regular deliveries of sunflower oil on maritime vessels to the port of Ravenna, and from time to time delivers of grain to Italian ports. There is potential to extend the business relations for example by using containerized cargo especially from Southern ports of Italy to Moldova. I also can imagine that Italian producers in Moldova would import raw materials or semifinished goods in containers via Giurgiulesti.

MP: What are the upcoming development plans for the port?

One of our major projects for the port is the construction of a new terminal, because the demand for transhipment operations is so high that we are already working at full capacity at some terminals. We plan to complete the technical planning of the new terminal during the next few weeks and to start the tendering of construction works in autumn. We hope the new terminal will be completed by the end of 2024 in order to expand our annual transhipment capacity by an additional 700,000 tonnes of cargo.

Danube Logistics has resumed the tradition of celebrating the Danube Day in Giurgiulești International Free Port (GIFP) on 29 June. The event gathered delegations from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development headed by Minister Lilia Dabija and the Ministry of Environment led by Minister Iordanca-Rodica Iordanov, the General Consul of Romania in Cahul Ms. Anca Corfu, the mayor of Giurgiulești village Ms. Tatiana Galateanu, representatives of regional and local authorities, investors in GIFP business park and further business stakeholders in the region.

The Danube Day refers to the anniversary of the signing of the Danube River Protection Convention which was concluded in 1994. On this day all 14 countries of the Danube River basin comprising about 80 million people celebrate the Danube, the rivers that flow into it and their vital role in providing water, food, power, recreation, livelihoods and transport. Under the umbrella of this year’s theme of the Danube Day “Keep the Danube blue” Danube Logistics explained to the Minister of Environment activities and measures undertaken by the port in order to protect the environment and to keep the Danube and Prut rivers clean.

Prior to the celebration, in a joint meeting with delegations from both the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ministry of Environment Danube Logistics presented the necessity to extend the transshipment capacities of GIFP. The existing general cargo terminal is used to capacity and Moldovan importers and exporters as well as investors of GIFP business park request additional transshipment capacities. Danube Logistics plans to construct and operate a new universal berth which permits calls of vessel with a draft of up to 7 m. The envisaged start of operation is in the second half of 2024. General Director Mathias von Tucher emphasized that “although Moldova only has around 500 m shore line to the Danube river, of a total length of 2850 km, the operation of a port at this location is a vital infrastructure for the Republic of Moldova, and we want to have it economically efficient and environmentally friendly”.

Danube Logistics is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, the main sea-river port of the Republic of Moldova. Since 2005 Danube Logistics has developed the port into one of the most successful ports on the Danube River facilitating trade of Moldovan companies with international markets. Danube Logistics SRL is wholly owned by the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV. The sole ultimate owner of the Danube Logistics group of companies is the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Danube Logistics has released its seventh annual Carbon Footprint Report, which is prepared in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. Our 2022 Report traditionally sets forth observations and data about the CO2 and CO2 equivalent emissions resulting from activities of Danube Logistics at the premises of Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP).

The report shows that the 26.8% surge in transshipment activities at the cargo terminal led to a 19.2% increase in GHG emissions generated by Danube Logistics activities at Giurgiulesti International Free Port in 2022, compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, Danube Logistics has made progress in reducing emissions per ton of cargo transshipped, primarily through increased use of more fuel-efficient material handlers and newer lighting technology. In consequence, the CO2e emissions per ton of transshipped cargo continued to decrease, settling at 1,14 kg per ton of cargo transhipped.

As fossil fuels used for internal combustion engines continue to be the major source of CO2 emissions, the GIFP operator will seek to optimize diesel use for port equipment and also procure electricity powered equipment.

Danube Logistics is committed to managing its environmental impact by tracking and monitoring its GHG emissions and implementing measures to reduce its carbon footprint. As a step in achieving long-term sustainability goals, Danube Logistics is considering to integrate the CO2e emissions generated by port residents into the next year’s report.

https://gifp.md/en/wp-content/files_mf/16837066152023.05.10CarbonFootprintReport2022.pdf

On 2 May 2023 representatives of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova headed by His Excellency Mr. Ambassador Jānis Mažeiks visited Giurgiulești International Free Port. Mathias von Tucher, General Director of Danube Logistics, presented the development of cargo transshipments and investments in the port area and emphasized the importance of the EU as trading partner for the port. 63% of last year’s imports to Moldova via the port were delivered from EU countries and 62% of exports were directed to EU countries.

Following the record transshipment volume of 1.8 M tons of cargo in 2022, the general cargo terminal continues to be fully utilized. Therefore, Danube Logistics plans to construct a new universal berth which will provide an additional capacity of about 600,000 tons. A significant portion of the new capacity will be allocated to Moldovan grain trading companies which currently are undertaking construction works of grain storage facilities in the port area.

In addition to operational issues, the framework conditions for investments were discussed and the necessity to continue with the implementation of the justice reform in order to ensure fair access of investors to justice and the rule of law in the Republic of Moldova.

Danube Logistics is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, the main sea-river port of the Republic of Moldova. Since 2005 Danube Logistics has developed the port into one of the most successful ports on the Danube River facilitating trade of Moldovan companies with international markets. Danube Logistics SRL is wholly owned by the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV. The sole ultimate owner of the Danube Logistics group of companies is the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. GIFP is part of the Solidarity Lanes established by the European Union to ensure Ukraine can export grain and other products and import the goods it needs, from humanitarian aid to animal feed and fertilizers, via alternative transport routes: inland waterways, rail and road.

The Solidarity Lanes are an unprecedented cooperation of authorities and businesses in EU Member States, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Today, they have become the lifeline of Ukraine’s economy.

https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-237849

Cargo transhipments via Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) set a new record of more than 1.8 million tons in 2022, which takes 30% higher the previous year’s record.

Thus, although the total volume of more than 1 million tons of imported cargo rose by 20% against 2021, the volume of petroleum products transhipped at the oil terminal in the amount of 577 thousand tons increased by 41%, while the amount of imported coal almost tripled in comparison to 2021. A total of 93 thousand tons of solid and liquid mineral fertilizers were transhipped for import, which is a threefold increase in volume compared to previous years. At the same time, there was a considerable decrease (-51%) in imports of construction materials, largely due to low demand in the road construction market in the first half of the year.

In 2022, there was also a significant 45% increase in goods transhipped for export in a total volume of 810.6 thousand tons, including 573.7 thousand tons of exported cereals, sunflower seeds and meal, which is 45% up against 2021, and 196 thousand tons of exported vegetable oil, which is a 146.5% growth compared to last year. At the same time, exports of scrap metal decreased by about 52% due to the capacity limit of the general cargo terminal.

Mathias von Tucher, General Director of Danube Logistics SRL, stated: “Despite numerous challenges during the past year, GIFP fulfilled the vital function of safeguarding supply chains for Moldovan importers and exporters. This includes the imports of petroleum products and coal via GIFP to contribute to the energy security of the country, and the imports of both liquid and solid fertilisers to ensure stability for the agricultural production.

Furthermore, the port also proved to be a helpful solution in upholding supplies to and from Ukraine. A significant portion of the fuel imported via GIFP is delivered further to Ukraine. At the same time Moldovan exporters procured grain from Ukraine and transhipped it via GIFP contributing to the international efforts to prevent the food shortages threatened by the war. In addition, as a solution to stabilise the container traffic to and from Moldova, end of 2022 one of the port residents launched a regular block train service for the transportation of containers between GIFP and the container terminal of the port of Constanta.

In order to meet the increased demand and to extend the port’s operational capacity extra staff has been taken on by 23% compared to 2021, and investments and equipment acquisitions were speeded up while tariffs for clients are being kept at reasonable levels in support of the Moldovan economy. Most importantly, we are in the final design stage for the extension of the Cargo Terminal – which is fully used – through the construction of a universal berth, with an estimated investment of USD 7 M. Thus, the transhipment capacity will be extended by 700,000 tons per annum, with the envisaged facility being scheduled to enter into operation in 2024.”

Danube Logistics SRL is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, the main sea-river port of the Republic of Moldova. Since 2005 Danube Logistics has developed the port into one of the most successful ports on the river Danube facilitating trade of Moldovan companies with international markets. Danube Logistics SRL is wholly owned by the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV. The sole ultimate owner of the Danube Logistics group of companies is the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) welcomes the initiative for the digitalization of customs formalities in the port.

On 20 December 2022 the Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova, in partnership with the USAID Moldova Institutional and Structural Reforms Program (MISRA), held the event «e-Customs Declaration — a major step towards digitalization of customs procedures».

During this event, GIFP representatives addressed some aspects of the customs clearance of goods through the port and called for the simplification of customs procedures.

Danube Logistics bought a new generator with a power of 700 kVA from a renowned manufacturer in order to safeguard the operations of Danube Logistics in GIFP during periods of electricity blackouts. With the new generator we ensure the continuation of our port operations including loading of fuel onto trucks and railway cisterns, office buildings, customs services, port lighting and in particular of our fire fighting system. The supply of low voltage electricity to several resident companies will also be ensured.

Ports in the Danube region will be transformed into efficient multimodal hubs and priority centres for securing financial investment flows. This transformation will be carried out within the project «DIONYSUS — Integrating Danube Region into Smart & Sustainable Multi-modal & Intermodal Transport Chains», implemented within the framework of the Danube Transnational Programme 2014-2020. The results and challenges of the project were discussed on 20 July during a fact-finding visit, carried out by representatives of the Public Institution The Office for the Management of External Assistance Programs (OMEAP) at the Technical University of Moldova (UTM).

The project «DIONYSUS — Integrating Danube Region into Smart & Sustainable Multi-modal & Intermodal Transport Chains» is implemented by a consortium of 26 partners from nine countries, including the Republic of Moldova, represented by the Technical University of Moldova. The total budget is more than €3 million and the co-financing share of the partner from the Republic of Moldova is €167 thousand. The project will last until December 2022.

«The project has a substantial impact on the creation of national policies for improving transport infrastructure in our country, as well as investment decisions for the development of port and logistics infrastructure,» said Victor Ceban, project manager and head of the Transport Department at UTM.

The project aims to improve port infrastructure planning and management processes, facilitating the integration of multimodal transport networks in the Danube region in a smart and sustainable way. To this end, the project activities include the development of transport corridor development policies, analysis of existing obstacles and the formulation of recommendations for the improvement of transport corridors and better connectivity of the Danube with other European waterway networks. Thus, strategic directions have been identified and recommendations have been formulated for the development of the infrastructure of the national multi & inter modal transport system in the Danube region and its integration into the European transport network. In addition, a SWOT analysis was carried out for the elaboration of the development plan of Giurgiulesti International Free Port of , along with the ways to improve the tariff policy and transport legislation and to increase the volume of maritime transport.

In the coming months, the Comprehensive Development Plan of Giurgiulesti International Free Port will be elaborated, business plans for the sustainable development of the region will be elaborated, as well as mechanisms for attracting and effectively leveraging investments.

The DIONYSUS project is implemented by the Technical University of Moldova, together with the Moldovan partner «Danube Logistics» SRL and partners from Romania, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, Serbia and Ukraine.

The Danube Transnational Programme 2014-2020 has a total budget of €274.6 million, including €5 million allocated from the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) funds for the Republic of Moldova. Fourteen countries participate in the programme: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany (Baden Württemberg and Bavaria), Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Montenegro, Serbia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine (Chernivetska, Ivano-Frankiviska, Zakarpatska, Odessa oblasts). At national level, 22 projects are implemented in the areas of good governance, innovation and social, cultural, energy and environmental responsibility, with a total value of €2.5 million.

The Danube Transnational Programme aims to provide opportunities for partners from the Republic of Moldova to develop and implement a number of valuable projects by strengthening cooperation through transformation and innovation, while being able to contribute to the development of transnational synergies.

Source: https://ogpae.gov.md/noutati/comunicat-de-presa-infrastructura-portului-international-giurgiulesti-va-fi-gestionata-inteligent-cu-suportul-programului-transnational-dunarea/

— EBRD Vice-President Alain Pilloux visits Giurgiuleşti International Free Port

— EBRD is sole owner of Danube Logistics SRL, operator of the port

— In cooperation with government, Bank aims to attract strong investors to further develop port

Alain Pilloux, Vice-President, Banking at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), paid a visit today to Giurgiuleşti International Free Port, Moldova’s only sea-river port. The Bank is the sole owner of Danube Logistics SRL, the operator of the port.

Mr Pilloux made his trip to the port at the end of a three-day trip to Moldova for meetings with government and other partners. He welcomed the professional management of the port by Danube Logistics SRL and stressed the importance of Moldova’s only international port to the country’s trade and economy, especially in the context of the war on Ukraine.

He said: “The EBRD has been supporting the construction and operation of the Giurgiuleşti port since 1995. We are actively working to promote the continuation of the successful operation and development of this key infrastructure asset and welcome its increased throughput in 2022, including exports from and to Ukraine, at a time of concern over regional food and energy security.”

Giurgiuleşti International Free Port exports grain and vegetable oil and imports fuel, construction materials and general cargo. Overall year-on-year volumes moving through the port have more than doubled so far in 2022, reaching 804,029 tonnes, This is mainly due to increasing imports of petroleum oil products, coal and fertiliser and exports of grains and vegetable oil.

Existing grain transhipment and storage facilities are increasingly used for grain originating from Ukraine, which in peacetime exports around 15 per cent of the world’s grain, said Mathias von Tucher, General Director of Danube Logistics. The blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports by Russia means this grain must now be exported by other routes, including via the Danube.

By end-2021, figures from the Ministry of Economy also show, the port was employing 553 people, up seven per cent from 2020. In 2021, salaries rose 22 per cent, investments rose 43.5 per cent, transhipment was up 52.4 per cent and tax payments rose by 149 per cent. A total of €100 million has been invested in the port since 2005, said von Tucher.

The EBRD acquired 100 per cent ultimate ownership of Danube Logistics SRL on 7 May 2021.

During Mr Pilloux’s visit, the EBRD welcomed a Moldovan court ruling on Tuesday which confirmed that the EBRD is the rightful indirect owner of shares in I.C.S. Danube Logistics SRL, overruling a challenge by Bemol, a company related to one of the port’s previous owners. The decision is final and irrevocable.

Mr Pilloux’s visit follows the signing in June of a €300 million EBRD loan to support Moldova’s energy security.

This fell within the €2 billion Resilience and Livelihoods Framework that the EBRD put together this spring to help Ukraine and neighbouring countries withstand the challenges of war, which has displaced millions of Ukrainians, including to Ukraine. The framework ranges from restructuring and emergency liquidity support for enterprises and recovery support for small and medium-sized enterprises to support for energy security.

In Moldova’s case, the EBRD is working closely with the government both on boosting energy security and on food security, including by actively promoting the continued successful operation and development of Giurgiulesti Port with a view to attracting strong international investors.

On Monday and Tuesday, in Chisinau, Mr Pilloux met President Maia Sandu, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita, Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, Minister of Economy and EBRD Governor Sergiu Gaibu, National Bank of Moldova Governor Octavian Armasu, development partners and business clients.

The Bank is a leading institutional investor in Moldova and, to date, has invested more than €1.7 billion in the country through 158 projects.

Source: https://www.ebrd.com/news/2022/ebrd-vicepresident-visits-moldovas-strategic-giurgiuleti-port.html

Photo credit: European Bank for reconstruction and Development

Giurgiulesti Port is becoming part of solution to regional food security concerns  

A river-to-sea port located at the confluence of Danube and Prut rivers, which has given the tiny landlocked country of Moldova in southeastern Europe its only commercial access to international waters, is now fulfilling a vital second function. Since Russia blockaded ports along the Ukrainian Black Sea coast this spring, Giurgiulesti Port has also been helping get grain and fuel in and out of neighbouring Ukraine.

“Today, not only does Giurgiulesti port safeguard supply chains for Moldovan importers and exporters, but since the start of the war on Ukraine it has also played a key role in helping to uphold supplies to and from Ukraine,” said Alain Pilloux, the EBRD’s Vice-President, Banking, who will visit the port later in July. The EBRD – which has been an investor in the port since its inception – also became the sole ultimate legal owner of the port’s operator, Danube Logistics, on 18 May 2021.

With Russia and Ukraine together usually supplying about 30 per cent of the world’s grain — meaning global food security is at risk as a result of the Russian invasion on 24 February — the hunt is now on for other ways to export Ukraine’s agricultural exports to the world and import supplies to keep its economy running as normally as possible.

Among possibilities being explored are using rail, road transport through Europe — and the Danube, Europe’s second longest river, which flows through much of central and southeastern Europe, from the Black Forest to the Black Sea.

Giurgiulesti’s figures for this year show how helpful the Danube option is, even if all solutions are small compared to the scale of the food security issue. Overall year-on-year volumes moving through Giurgiulesti International Free Port have more than doubled so far in 2022, reaching 804,029 tons, says the port operator, Danube Logistics. This is mainly due to increasing imports of petroleum oil products, coal and fertiliser and exports of grains and vegetable oil. Existing grain transhipment and storage facilities are increasingly used for grain originating from Ukraine.

“The port is both a main point of entry for fuel imports to Moldova and a supplier of fuel to Ukrainian petrol station networks and farmers. While a major objective is exporting cereals from Moldova, Giurgiulesti increasingly tranships grains from Ukraine, contributing to the international effort to avert the food shortages threatened by the war,” said the EBRD’s Head of Office in Moldova, Angela Sax.

That Moldova is able to use its port to perform this crucial function now – supporting not only its own economy but the bigger economy of the region – is all down to an inspired piece of planning that dates back to soon after the country became independent from the Soviet Union.

Moldova, which was a Soviet republic until 1991, is bordered by Romania and Ukraine and traditionally relied on its bigger neighbours for imports and exports. (Its three million people remain strongly dependent on agriculture, though the service industry is now also a significant part of the national economy, and it is an importer of gas and oil).

But the Danube runs by Moldova’s border at the country’s southernmost tip, where it is joined by the river Prut. And from this Giurgiulesti International Free Port was born.

In 1995, newly independent Moldova decided to construct an oil terminal at the village of Giurgiulesti, which lies 500 metres inland from the Danube. Although the original Greek-Moldovan project quickly ran into financial difficulties, the area got a further boost when, after a long-discussed land swap agreement with Ukraine was finally completed in 1999, Moldova received a short strip of its own Danube shoreline – 450 metres – from which the borders with both Romania and Ukraine can be seen. This allowed the Giurgiulesti project to be expanded into the construction and operation of a port accessible to seagoing vessels and equipped with a terminal for the storage and trans-shipment of refined oil products.

As envisaged in the port agreement made with new owners in December 2004, the port would lie within a Free Economic Zone and comprise not only the oil terminal, but also cargo and passenger terminals as well as an oil refinery. There was also an option to build petrol stations.

Today Giurgiulesti, Moldova’s only port accessible to seagoing vessels, situated at km 133.8 (nautical mile 72.2) of the Danube, is operating most of these. The oil terminal was launched on 26 October 2006, a separate passenger terminal built by the government opened in March 2009, and a grain transhipment terminal opened four months later. The operator, Danube Logistics, constructed a cargo terminal in 2011, as well as a berth for a grain terminal, a mixed-gauge railway terminal, port infrastructure, a warehouse, storage areas and office buildings. And it facilitated investments in Giurgiulesti Port by other residents, including a vegetable oil terminal and a sunflower oil extraction plant.

Development hasn’t all been plain sailing. There have been three owners of the company operating the port since 2005, and a complex legal history with multiple court cases, some still active.

But the wisdom of using this river resource to create and operate a well-run port for international shipping – an important strategic asset for Moldova — has become clearer still since the war on Ukraine began.

Within the impressive overall trade volumes for 2022, the port operator’s detailed figures speak of benefits for all concerned, with extra staff being taken on, further investments speeded up, and tariffs for clients being kept at stable levels as both Moldovan and Ukrainian economies benefit, says Mathias von Tucher, General Director of Danube Logistics, the port operator.

Back in 2021, for instance, Giurgiulesti saw an average transhipment volume of 34,000 tons per month of petroleum products. But by May 2022, this was up to 65,000 tons, more than half of which was estimated to be earmarked for onward delivery to Ukraine. (To avoid bottlenecks, he adds, close collaboration is needed with the Moldovan government).

Likewise, grain and vegetable exports have been at high levels in 2022 – 309,404 tons and 99,694 tons respectively – with grain transhipment and storage facilities increasingly used for grain from Ukraine.

The transhipment of other cargo groups, such as the import of coal and fertiliser, have resumed after alternative sources and import routes via Ukraine were cut off, says von Tucher. The existing general cargo terminal is being fully used, and the company is in the final design stage of the construction of a new universal booth. The new US$ 5 million terminal will be mainly used for dry bulk and general cargo and is scheduled to open in the second half of 2023.

Finally, von Tucher says, the port is preparing to resume the transhipment of containers from the Romanian port of Constanța to Moldova and Ukraine. It has developed a new 5,000-square-metre container handling and storage platform, which can be further extended depending on how demand develops. The port is planning the procurement of additional handling equipment to cope with demand in this area, he adds.

Von Tucher says extra staff were taken on to meet the increased demand and the port is about to procure additional equipment. The port residents have undertaken investments of more than US$ 100 million in total.

This only accelerates an already upward trend, showing how the port is supporting Moldova’s economy. By end-2021, figures from the Ministry of Economy show, the port was already employing 553 people, up seven per cent from 2020. Salaries rose 22 per cent, investments rose 43.5 per cent, transhipment was up 52.4 per cent and tax payments rose by 149 per cent.

Other ports nearby, operating under a variety of different wartime pressures, may have recently put up their transhipment tariffs or charge different levels to clients of different nationalities. But Giurgiulesti Port has kept its tariffs relatively stable, reflecting its long-term relationships with clients.

A combination of safe management, extra cargoes and more investment look set to further develop and increase the port’s business, in very much the way the EBRD envisaged when first investing in 1995 and then acquiring it in 2021. In the midst of the tragedy taking place across the Danube in Ukraine, Giurgiulesti Port is creating a virtuous circle in which, as it supports the imports and exports of Ukraine, it benefits the Moldovan economy at large.

Source: https://www.ebrd.com/news/2022/moldovas-strategic-danube-port-offers-a-lifeline-for-ukraine.html?fbclid=IwAR09oihd5-s4Ov8KY_ATreb9emlA5YiOazwbaqDFmJ7BHYYHB8XzlS8a2H8

The annual Carbon Footprint Report of Danube Logistics is at its sixth release this year. Prepared in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, the 2021 Report traditionally sets forth observations and data about the CO2 and CO2 equivalent emissions resulting from activities of Danube Logistics at the premises of Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP).

In 2021, the growth of transshipment activities at the cargo terminal led to a 34% surge of the total estimated GHG emissions equivalent to CO2 emissions generated at the GIFP premises. As at the same time the transshipment volumes increased by 58%, the CO2e emissions per ton of transshipped cargo tumbled by 15%, demonstrating the efficiency increase mainly of the cargo handling equipment. In addition, the successive upgrade of newer lighting technology contributed to slower increase of electrical emissions.

As fossil fuel used for internal combustion engines is the major source of CO2 emissions, the control and optimization of diesel use for port equipment will remain important for both environmental and economic reasons. In consequence, Danube Logistics will intensify its efforts to procure electrical driven loading equipment and machinery in future.

https://gifp.md/en/wp-content/files_mf/1650611289Carbonfootprintreport2021_20.04.22final.pdf

In 2021 cargo transhipments via Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) reached a new record of 1.4 million tons exceeding the previous 2019 high by 30%. The grand demand for transhipment services followed a challenging year 2020 which was determined by restrictions of grain exports due to poor harvest in the agricultural season 2020/21 and the coronavirus pandemic. The transhipment volume in 2021 increased by 50% comparing with 2020.

The volume of liquid bulk including petroleum products and vegetable oil transhipped via the port increased by 61% being boosted by doubling the volume of operated petroleum products compared to 2020. Dry bulk transhipments comprising grain, seeds, aggregates, coal, petcoke and bauxite increased by 49% supported largely by higher demand for gravel imports for road construction works while grain exports recovered back to normal level in the second half of 2021. The recorded increase of general cargo transhipments by 70% is largely due to the first full year service for scrap exports.

Mathias von Tucher, General Director of Danube Logistics SRL, stated: “The increase of transhipment activities via GIFP affirms the important role of the port as trade gateway for Moldovan exporters and importers. Our investment program aims on doubling the transhipment capacity for dry cargo by constructing another berth allowing for receiving maritime vessels up to 7 m draft. The beginning of the works is planned in 2022. We are also pleased to notice the progress of the construction projects of our residents establishing processing and storage facilities for agricultural goods. These investments will contribute to the sustainable development of the transhipment volumes of the port and create more jobs.

Danube Logistics SRL is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, the main sea-river port of the Republic of Moldova. Since 2005 Danube Logistics has developed the port into one of the most successful ports on the river Danube facilitating trade of Moldovan companies with international markets. Danube Logistics SRL is wholly owned by the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV. The sole ultimate owner of the Danube Logistics group of companies is the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

On 27 October 2021, PRUT 2021 International Management and Coordination Drill was held in Giurgiulesti International Free Port under the aegis of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, in collaboration with the Romanian General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations. The aim of this event was to test the Joint Intervention Plan for emergency response.

In particular, the objective of this activity was to verify the implementation of the associated border crossing procedures in emergency situations and the correct use of the established forms. The response, in terms of team movement in the event of such situations, was timed and determined, without taking into account this time the relevant intervention actions. According to the drill scenario, 1 fire engine from the Romanian General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations and 2 intervention engines from the Cahul Department for Emergency Situations were deployed in the port.

The representatives of the joint team for the organisation and evaluation of the drill analysed in a subsequent meeting the possibilities of providing the requested support, taking decisions, alerting the authorities and intervention teams, analysing the possibilities of responding to emergency requests. The conclusions and recommendations will be integrated into the overall concept of «PRUT 2021» international drill so as to ensure a prompt and efficient organisation of potential interventions.

https://www.ebrd.com/news/2021/ebrd-managing-director-visits-moldovas-port-of-giurgiuleti.html

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has published the details of its investment in Moldova’s Giurgiuleşti International Free Port (Giurgiuleşti Port), one of the country’s key strategic assets.

The EBRD’s support for the project started in 1995, when it provided a US$ 27.5 million financing package, comprising debt and equity, to Terminal S.A., a joint entity that had entered into a concession agreement with the government of Moldova to construct and operate Giurgiulești Port.

The EBRD’s engagement continued with a series of complex financial restructurings to help the project overcome a number of difficulties, including the withdrawal of original investors. Since 2014, the port operator now called Danube Logistics SRL, its Dutch parent and, indirectly, the EBRD have been subject to various actions.

To safeguard port operations and to safeguard and protect its financial interests, the EBRD became the sole ultimate legal owner of the operator of Giurgiulești Port on 7 May 2021. Through its acquisition, the EBRD aims to support the port’s continued operation and will seek to attract international investors to support and develop this key infrastructure asset.

The EBRD is owned by 69 countries – including Moldova – as well as the European Union and the European Investment Bank. With cumulative investments of €1.4 billion in the country to date, the EBRD is the largest institutional investor in Moldova.

Source: https://www.ebrd.com/news/2021/ebrd-details-investment-in-giurgiuleti-international-free-port.html

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) acquired 100 per cent of the capital of the Danube Logistics Group of companies on 7 May 2021.

The EBRD thereby became the sole ultimate owner of Danube Logistics SRL, the operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port. The change in ownership was registered by the relevant court in Moldova on 18 May 2021.

Through its acquisition, the EBRD aims to promote a continuation of the successful operation and development of Giurgiulesti International Free Port and will seek to attract international investors to further support and develop the port.

The EBRD has supported the construction and operation of Giurgiulesti International Free Port since 1995 and in 2013 replaced Credit Suisse as the primary economic beneficiary of the operation of the port following the refinancing of Danube Logistics’ outstanding loans by Credit Suisse.

As the port’s owner the EBRD expects the prompt fulfilment of all outstanding investment obligations stipulated in the Host Investment Agreement of 2004 signed between Danube Logistics, Bemol Refinery and Bemol Retail so as to benefit and boost the economic development of Moldova.

The EBRD is owned by 69 countries – including Moldova – as well as the European Union and the European Investment Bank. With cumulative investment of €1.4 billion in the country to date, the EBRD is the largest foreign investor in Moldova.

Source:  https://www.ebrd.com/news/2021/ebrd-takes-over-operator-of-giurgiulesti-international-free-port.html

Danube Logistics presents already the fifth release of its annual Carbon Footprint Report developed in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. As in previous years the Carbon Footprint Report sums up and analyses the CO2 and CO2 equivalent emissions (CO2e) resulting from last year’s business activities of Danube Logistics at the premises of Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

While in 2020 the total CO2e emissions increased by 5.4% compared to 2019, the CO2e emissions per ton of cargo transshipped further decreased by 3.8% compared to the previous year. This decrease reflects a more emission efficient use of port facilities and port equipment at increasing transshipment volumes and despite extensive use of fuel for transportation of material from dredging works. Overall, over the last five years the major drivers for the reduction of CO2e emissions per ton of cargo transshipped were the increased efficiency due to the volume increase and the replacement of conventional lighting with LED technology. Danube Logistics will continue to seek for further optimization potential in order to reduce CO2e emissions.

http://gifp.md/en/wp-content/files_mf/16207351512020_ReportonCarbonFootprint.pdf

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is enforcing rights under its financing and security documents with regards to Danube Logistics Holding BV’s shareholding in Danube Logistics SRL (Danube Logistics), the operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port in the Republic of Moldova.

The EBRD’s enforcement action, which commenced on 18 March 2021, aims to ensure the uninterrupted operations and ongoing expansion of Giurgiulesti International Free Port and to safeguard the EBRD’s financial interests in the project.

The EBRD is seeking to prevent any attempt at redirecting funds out of Danube Logistics as a result of the external administration imposed on the company, due to concerns that it will put the company in severe financial difficulties.

The action is in response to the decision by a Moldovan bailiff on 25 February to appoint an external administrator of the assets of Danube Logistics, following a disputed claim against one of Danube Logistics Holding BV’s ultimate beneficiaries.

The EBRD considers this appointment an interference with the running of the company, having a direct negative impact on its ability to continue to operate and repay its debts, as well as conflicting with EBRD’s legitimate interests as a lender holding security over the shares in Danube Logistics and as an economic beneficiary of those shares.

The EBRD has supported Danube Logistics’ development of Giurgiulesti International Free Port since 2005. As of today, the EBRD is Danube Logistics’ largest creditor as well as the main beneficiary of Danube Logistics Holding BV’s shareholding in Danube Logistics.

Giurgiulesti International Free Port is the Republic of Moldova’s only sea-river port located on the river Danube. On average, the port facilitates the international trade of Moldovan companies with more than 50 countries every year.

Source: https://www.ebrd.com/news/2021/ebrd-seeks-to-safeguard-operations-of-moldovas-giurgiulesti-port.html

— 934 thousand tons of transshipped goods via GIFP in 2020, despite restricted exports of cereals in the second half of 2020 due to severe drought and the Coronavirus pandemic

— Bustling activities at GIFP with almost completed, underway and upcoming new construction projects

— Fair access of investors to the rules of law in the Republic of Moldova hampered by the ongoing attempt to expropriate Danube Logistics Holding BV’s and the EBRD‘s interests in Danube Logistics SRL via the Moldovan justice system

The operations and construction projects at Giurgiulești International Free Port (GIFP) were the key topics discussed during the visit of His Excellency Mr. Roelof van Ees, the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Romania and the Republic of Moldova, and Mr. Floris van Eijk, Head of the Dutch Embassy Office in the Republic of Moldova, at GIFP on Wednesday, February 24. Mathias von Tucher, the General Director of Danube Logistics SRL, outlined that GIFP continues to support Moldova’s international trade despite the challenges caused by the pandemic and, in particular, the 50% reduction of grain exports (i.e. -250 thousand tonnes compared to 2019) due to the bad harvest. GIFP still recorded a transshipment volume of 934 thousand tons in 2020, proving the importance of the unobstructed shipment of goods by maritime and river vessels for Moldovan importers and exporters.

Mr. von Tucher stated that the development of GIFP is in full swing with new facilities in construction: the ethanol and wine storage facilities are almost finalized, and the works at a state-of-the-art crushing plant for production of vegetable oil are progressing fast. In addition, two further resident companies envisage to start the construction of grain storage facilities.

The General Director of Danube Logistics SRL also discussed with the Dutch Ambassador the ongoing attempt to expropriate Danube Logistics Holding BV’s and the EBRD‘s interests in Danube Logistics SRL via the Moldovan justice system. H.E. Mr. Roelof van Ees expressed his concern about the current legal proceedings and recent court decisions: “It is crucial for the Republic of Moldova to uphold the rule of law and protect the legitimate interests of foreign investors in the country. Otherwise, Moldova will miss out on much-needed foreign direct investment and economic growth.”

Danube Logistics SRL, the operator and general investor of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, is wholly owned by the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding B.V. According to a participation agreement the EBRD is entitled as of today to 65% of the dividend and share sales proceeds related to Danube Logistics Holding BV’s shareholding in Danube Logistics SRL.

The equipment shipped by the Belgian logistics specialist Projects & Industrial Logistics BVBA from the port of Straubing (Germany) reached its destination at Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) yesterday, on February 21^st, after a 10-day journey down the Danube river.

It took 3 hours to our experienced cargo terminal operators at GIFP to complete successfully the unloading of 8 heavy pieces of up to 42 tons using our mobile heavy cargo crane. The oversized pieces with a width of up to 7 m were loaded on special heavy cargo trucks to be further delivered to Südzucker Moldova. Given the extra width of these loaded units, a separate temporary exit has been constructed so as to accommodate the transportation process.

Danube Logistics is an Associated Strategic Partner within the DIONYSUS project, a project co-funded by European Union funds under the Danube Transnational Programme with the objective of “Integrating Danube Region into Smart & Sustainable Multi-modal & Intermodal Transport Chains”. Danube Logistics is in close collaboration with the Technical University of the Rep. of Moldova (UTM), a European Neighbourhood Instrument Project Partner and as such leading the Moldovan aspects of the DIONYSUS project.

On 13 November 2020 a delegation from UTM headed by Associate Professor Dr Victor Ceban, Head of the Department of Transport, visited Giurgiulesti International Free Port. Mathias von Tucher, General Director of Danube Logistics, presented the port facilities and its multi-modal logistic and intermodal connections. Potentials and barriers for future developments were discussed taking into account bottlenecks of hinterland connections. Danube Logistics is looking forward to collaborate with the experts of the UTM on the DIONYSUS project.

Within his campaign for the forthcoming presidential elections the incumbent President Igor Dodon visited Giurgiulesti International Free Port on 6 October 2020. Mathias von Tucher, General Director of Danube Logistics SRL, informed President Dodon about this year’s challenges due to the pandemic and the poor harvest as well as about the successful transshipment of new types of operations such as the import of scrap metal, skimmer pig iron, steel coils and grain.

Furthermore, Mathias von Tucher updated the President about the numerous ongoing investment projects within Giurgiulesti International Free Port and in this context the delegation visited the construction site of the port resident Danube Oil Company, which aims to start the operation of the new vegetable oil crushing plant fitted with the latest technology in 2021.

On 7 July 2020 the first transshipment of scrap metal from Giurgiulesti International Free Port has been completed successfully.

The Moldovan client Sofilarex transported the scrap metal with trucks to the port and accumulated the required quantity for a vessel on a storage area over a period of two weeks. The transshipment from the platform as well as directly from trucks into the vessel took place at the General Cargo Terminal and has been performed with a Fuchs material handler that is specialized in transshipment of scrap metal.

The handling of scrap metal is a common cargo for ports and Danube Logistics looks forward to offer its services in this sector.

For now four years Danube Logistics releases the annual Carbon Footprint Report developed in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The newest Carbon Footprint Report sumps up and analyses the CO2 and CO2 equivalent emissions (CO2e) resulting from last year’s business activities of Danube Logistics at the premises of Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

In 2019 the CO2e emissions per ton of cargo transshipped decreased for the fourth consecutive year in total by 14%. This decrease reflects the increasing transshipment volumes allowing a more emission efficient use of port facilities and port equipment. At the same the introduction of energy efficient measures, mainly the switch from conventional to LED based lighting technology, caused the reduction of electricity related emissions. Danube Logistics will continue to strive for further optimization and reduction of CO2e emissions.

https://gifp.md/en/wp-content/files_mf/1586430486Carbonfootprintreport2019final.pdf

Danube Logistics acquired a high capacity Fuchs material handler in order to expand the transshipment capacities of Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

The machine is equipped with various grabs and consequently can handle a wide range of different cargo including dry bulk such as gravel, sand, coal, various sorts of grain, general cargo such as big bags, and in addition new cargo categories such as scrap metal and larger stones.

With this material handler the transshipment capacity of the existing general cargo terminal will be increased, the product range of port services will be expanded and the operational flexibility will be enhanced. Clients are invited to contact us for more details.

While following the recommended health and safety measures Danube Logistics SRL continues to operate Giurgiulesti International Free Port and its weekly container feeder service to Constanta South Container Terminal. Mathias von Tucher, the General Director of Danube Logistics SRL stated: “We continue to support the international trade of Moldovan companies during this challenging time. The unobstructed shipment of goods by maritime and river vessels is now more important than ever as trucking companies experience significant delays at international border crossings. In order to minimize the risk associated with the coronavirus pandemic we operate Giurgiulesti International Free Port strictly according to the recommendations of the Government and of the World Health Organization.”

In 2019 Giurgiulesti International Free Port facilitated the export of primarily agricultural products to 44 different countries and the import of oil products, coal, fertilizer, construction material and other goods from 27 countries.

On 23 January 2020 the Prime Minister of the Rep. of Moldova, Ion Chicu, together with a delegation of government representatives visited Giurgiulesti International Free Port. General Director Mathias von Tucher and Deputy General Director Ala Aydov presented the positive development of port activities and the increase of annual transshipment volumes up to almost 1.1m tons of cargo last year.

The management had the opportunity to discuss with the Prime Minister in-depth the challenges of further development of the port and to explain the future expansion plans which include the construction of a new multi-purpose dry and general cargo berth that allows for calling of vessels with the maximum draft permissible on the Danube river. During the site tour the Prime Minister also discussed with representatives of Danube Oil Company and ProGrain Organic, both of them being residents of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port area.

Danube Logistics SRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV, while the economic interests associated with Danube Logistics Holding BV’s shareholding in Danube Logistics SRL are shared with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Cargo transshipments via Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) increased by 3% to a new record of almost 1.1m tons in 2019. During the course of 2019 export cargo volumes including grain, oil seeds, peas, vegetable oil, molasses, wine, spirits and various other cargos increased by 14% and where delivered to 44 different countries. In addition GIFP facilitated the import of mineral oil products, coal, pet-coke, construction material, fertilizer, soda, steel pipes, fiberglass, ceramic goods and various other cargos from 27 countries last year.

Mathias von Tucher, the general director of Danube Logistics SRL, the operator of GIFP stated: “In 2019 GIFP managed to increase transshipments of dry bulk cargo by 9%, general cargo by 24% and of sea containers by 26%. This positive development validates our investment program that is going to double the port’s dry cargo transshipment capacity. Furthermore we are pleased about the fact that we managed to sub-lease an additional 40,000 m2 of land in GIFP’s business park to Moldovan companies for the construction of warehousing, packaging and processing facilities. Over the coming three years the residents of GIFP are planning to invest more than $35m and create about 130 additional jobs.”

Danube Logistics SRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV, while the economic interests associated with Danube Logistics Holding BV’s shareholding in Danube Logistics SRL are shared with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Danube Logistics Srl provided transshipment and storage services for the Romanian branch of the internationally renowned logistics company Steder Group BV, service provider for Ungheni-Chișinău gas pipeline project. Coated gas steel pipes in various dimensions from the manufacturer Erciyas were shipped on two vessels from Turkey to Giurgiulești International Free Port.

In order to ensure professional, secure and efficient manipulation of this specific cargo, Danube Logistics operational department consulted with experts, visited pipe operations at other ports, elaborated handling instructions and procured specialized equipment. In total more than 2,700 pipes were unloaded and temporary stored in Giurgiulești until the pipes were delivered to two yards close to Chișinău. The final deliveries will be completed within the next two weeks. Receiver of the pipes is Transgaz, the constructor of the gas pipeline between Ungheni and Chișinău, which represents an extension of the interconnection project Iași-Ungheni.

On 9 November 2019 Danube Logistics Srl was invited at Invest Gagauzia 2019, the V — International Investment Forum of Gagauzia. General Director Dr. Mathias von Tucher presented the activities and future plans of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port and highlighted the opportunities for both Gagauzia and the port. Mathias von Tucher was honored having the opportunity to discuss the development potentials with Bashkan Irina Vlah personally.

Already today there are many companies from Gagauzia using the Giurgiulesti International Free Port as gateway to international markets. To the main Gagauzian clients belong exporters of grain and exporters of wine as well as importers of raw materials for the manufacture of various products such as fiberglass and tiles and importers of finished products such as tires.

The M3 road connection between Gagauzia and the port is currently under rehabilitation and certain sections will be built completely newly. After planned finalization in 2020/2021 the new road will shorten the distance and enhance the transport conditions resulting in increased transport volumes.

Mathias von Tucher informed the participants about the planned expansion of the general cargo terminal. Companies that are interested to transship their cargo via the expanded terminal can request additional information from Danube Logistics SRL’s office in Chisinau.

Danube Logistics SRL plans to expand the capacity of its dry cargo terminal to about 1.5 million tons per annum. Mathias von Tucher, the general director of Danube Logistics SRL, discussed the company’s investments plans with the Minister for Economy and Infrastructure Vadim Brinzan during his joint visit of Giurgiulesti International Free Port with the Ambassador of the USA, Derek J Hogan.

The expansion measures will be implemented over a period of three years and will include the purchase of additional equipment as well as the construction of an additional berth with a minimum water depth of 7m. The additional investments of about USD 10m in its open-access dry cargo terminal will enable Danube Logistics SRL to accommodate the increasing demand for the transshipment of grain, fertilizer, coal, steel products, construction material and other dry cargo. Companies that are interested to transship their cargo via the expanded terminal can request additional information from Danube Logistics SRL’s office in Chisinau.

In 2018 transshipments via Giurgiulesti International Free Port reached for the first time more than one million tons, which facilitated imports from 33 countries and exports to 53 countries. Danube Logistics SRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV, which shares the economic interests related to its shareholding in Danube Logistics SRL with the EBRD. Danube Logistics SRL is the largest investor in Giurgiulesti International Free Port investing in liquid and dry cargo terminals as well as in the development of the port’s business park.

The section about the port starts at 13:00 (video is in German language).

https://www.ndr.de/fernsehen/sendungen/hanseblick/Weinstrasse-und-Zigeunerbaron,sendung953114.html

On 22nd of July 2019 the General Director of Danube Logistics, Mathias von Tucher, presented the Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) to a delegation from Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Commerce and from the port of Tianjin as well as to representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Moldova. GIFP plays a vital role for the trade relations between Moldova and China and the business park is an interesting location for Chinese investors. In addition Danube Logistics already has an excellent long-term cooperation with the Chinese Cosco shipping lines.

The event was organized by the Moldova-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) represented by its President Victor Durlesteanu. It was the first event following the recent conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between Danube Logistics and MCCC.

As in previous years Danube Logistics, general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, invited for a picnic reception to celebrate the Danube Day on 29^th of June. The Danube Day is jointly celebrated in 14 countries of the Danube River basin promoting the connection of its people and nature. Since ancient times the Danube river is a historic trade route and since twelve years, when the Giurgiulesti International Free Port received his first vessel, the Republic of Moldova again participates at this important trade route connecting to the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

The event took place on a natural platform at the port premises overlooking the Danube River and the port facilities. More than 100 Moldovan and international guests participated, among the honorable guests were the Minister of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, Ms. Georgeta Mincu, the Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union, Mr. Peter Michalko, the Ambassador of Germany, Ms. Angela Ganninger, the Ambassador of Austria, Ms. Christine Freilinger, the Ambassador of Sweden, Ms. Anna Lyberg, the Ambassador of Poland, Mr. Bartlomiej Zdaniuk, and the Head of European Investment Bank Representation in Moldova, Mr. Antonio Castillo. Further representatives of central and local authorities including the mayors of Giurgiulesti and nearby villages as well as business clients attended the event with Moldovan food and wines and traditional music.

On 25^th of June Danube Logistics together with the Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Service from Cahul conducted one of its regular emergency exercises at the premises of Giurgiulesti International Free Port. The objective of this exercise was to test the readiness of fire fighting in the event of a fire at the oil terminal.

The focus of this year’s exercise was on training of the operational staff of the oil terminal in cooperation with the firefighting brigade of Giurgiulesti village. As specific aims of this exercise the response time of the firefighting brigade was tested after being alerted of a fire at the truck loading station as well as the synchronization of the needed actions undertaken by both the firefighting brigade and the oil terminal staff in order to achieve an effective joint intervention.

As Danube Logistics provides an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of the premedical First Aid training on trimestral base, an element of the exercise was providing first aid to a person who was injured by the simulated fire. In addition the training included the handling of using various types of fire extinguishers.

Due to professional and combined actions of the Cahul Emergency Department and Danube Logistics the drill was successful and the readiness and ability of cooperation of both the firefighting brigade and the oil terminal staff during an emergency situation was demonstrated and important lessons were learned.

Since 2016 Danube Logistics has developed a Carbon Footprint Report in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol on an annual basis. As in previous years the 2018 report refers to CO2 and CO2 equivalent emissions resulting from activities of Danube Logistics at the premises of Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

The findings of 2018 show that in course of increased transshipment volumes the facilities and equipment can be utilized in a more emission efficient way and the CO2 emissions per ton transshipped decreased. In addition energy efficient measures such as switching from conventional to LED based outside lighting result in a decrease of electricity related emissions.

http://gifp.md/en/wp-content/files_mf/1561990831Carbonfootprintreport2018.pdf

Transshipments via Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) increased by more than 10% to a new record of 1,050,000 tons during 2018. Mathias von Tucher, the general director of Danube Logistics SRL, the general investor and operator of GIFP noted:

“Last year we noticed a significant increase in transshipments of dry bulk cargo, in particular aggregates, coal and fertilizer. Due to increasing demand for transshipments and for land in GIFP’s business park we plan to more than double the capacity of the multi-purpose dry cargo terminal with additional equipment and the construction of another berth.”

During the course of 2018 Giurgiulesti International Free Port facilitated exports to 53 countries and imports from 33 countries. 76% of the imports via GIFP originated from the European Union while 57% of the exports facilitated by the port are bound for the European Union.

Danube Logistics SRL is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV, while the economic interests associated with Danube Logistics Holding BV’s shareholding in Danube Logistics SRL are shared with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

On 5th and 6th of April 2019 Danube Logistics operated the first time organic grain in bulk for its further transportation via Danube river on behalf of the Moldovan-Dutch venture ProGrain Organic, a resident of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

The organic soy beans originate from ProGrain Organic cultivations and were consolidated in its GMP certified warehouse in the business park area. The transshipment of soybeans was performed at the General Cargo terminal via a special large bunker, used for unloading the trucks carrying  the cargo from the warehouse and being further lifted by the port crane and emptied over the cargo holds of the ship.

The destination of the loaded 1,200 tons of organic soy beans is Austria. The transportation of organic grains upstream on the Danube to Central and Western Europe is a great business and environmental friendly opportunity

Danube Logistics Holding BV appointed Dr. Mathias von Tucher as the new general director of Danube Logistics SRL – the operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port. Having served in managerial positions with Danube Logistics SRL for more than five years, Mathias von Tucher was promoted to the position of general director in March 2019. Before joining Danube Logistics SRL he has been the managing director of a major German engineering company and served in several managerial positions of BMW Group. Mathias von Tucher’s educational background includes a doctorate in business administration and economic geography, which he earned with distinction from the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich.

Mr. Pascal Le Deunff, Ambassador of French Republic to Moldova paid an official visit to Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) where Dr. Mathias von Tucher, Operations Director of the port made a presentation of GIFP for the French Delegation, as well as dicussed the role of the port, as one of the most important multimodal logistics hubs for Moldova and the region.

During the tour of the port Mr. Le Deunff has visited the container and general cargo terminal, port’s business park, as well as the mixed-gauge rail terminal. Within the tour of the port Mr. Ambassador witnessed transshipment of coal from a maritime vessel to railway wagons, as well as noticed a lot of activity at port berths, which, meanwhile were all occupied by different type of maritime vessels.

In first 9 month of this year, GIFP has facilitated trade to more than 60 countries over the world and continues to develop into a reliable and cost-effective partner, both for moldovan and foreign business community.

Dr. Mathias von Tucher, Operations Director of ICS Danube Logistics SRL participated as a speaker in a business forum themed «maritime and land connections between Italy and Moldova» held in Ravenna, Italy. Dr. von Tucher presented Giurgiulesti International Free Port, highlighting potential areas of collaboration between Moldova and Italy.

In July companies active in Moldova’s agricultural sector started to import fertilizer in big bags via Giurgiulesti International Free Port, which was delivered to Giurgiulesti in maritime vessels from Russian Black Sea ports.

Since the first delivery on July 25, Danube Logistics SRL, the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, has already facilitated the import of more than 10,000 tons of fertilizer. In order to reduce the time required to discharge each vessel Danube Logistics SRL acquired special equipment enabling the simultaneous unloading / loading of up to 12 big bags.

Thomas Moser, the general director of Danube Logistics SRL, stated: “I am confident that the transshipment of fertilizer at Giurgiulesti International Free Port will develop into one of our main activities in the coming years. The delivery of fertilizer from Black Sea or Mediterranean ports to Moldova in maritime vessels is reliable and cost effective.”

On Thursday, July 19, ProGrain Organic SRL opened the organic grain processing, conditioning and storage facility at the premises of Giurgiulesti International Free Port. The total area of the terminal is 3.250m2 and so far the volume of investments exceeded $1.5 million. At the moment 2.000 tons of organic grain stored at the new terminal are waiting to be exported to western and central European countries. This year the company plans to export about 20.000 tons of organic grain. ProGrain Organic  SRL exports its cargo mainly in sea containers in partnership with Danube Logistics SRL, the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

On Friday, 29th of June Moldova joined in celebrating the Danube Day in Giurgiulesti. As part of the event Danube Logistics, the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, organized a picnic reception overlooking the Danube at the port premises.

Traditionally, over 80 Moldovan and international guests seized this beautiful occasion to feel the true spirit of Danube which connects citizens and businesses from 10 European countries and provides Moldova with direct access to the Black Sea. Among the honorable guests were Ms. Angela Sax, president of EBRD office to Moldova, Ms. Lucy Joyce, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Moldova, Dr. Julia Monar, the Ambassador of Germany to Moldova and Antonio Castillo, head of EIB office to Moldova. Representatives of local and central authorities together with mayors of the nearby villages where happy to join on this wonderful occasion Thomas Moser, director general of Danube Logistics SRL.

Guests of the event enjoyed the amazing view on Danube River relishing flavorous wines from Vinaria din Vale and refreshing drinks provided by Coca Cola Company. As well as last year „Bunica beats the drum” from Valeni was happy to perform traditional Moldovian songs along with her husband and an orchestra band from Cahul.

Danube Logistics has developed the Carbon Footprint Report for 2017 in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. The emission sources included in the carbon footprint report refer to generated CO2 emissions respectively to the emissions equivalent to CO2. The inventory was developed for the year 2017 at the premises of Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

In accordance with a control-based approach Danube Logistics calculated the CO2 emissions of these operational activities that actually can be influenced by the company. The calculations are based on real measurements of fuel and energy consumption ensuring a high level of accuracy of the results.

Following the findings of this report Danube Logistics strives to identify suitable measures in order to reduce carbon footprint emissions.

Report available in «Downloads» directory.

On Saturday 19 of May a group of civilian and military experts met with representatives of Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) where Mathias von Tucher, Operations Director of Danube Logistics SRL conducted a short tour of the port and answered various questions. Foreign guests where happy to find out more about GIFP and its development as one of the most important logistics hub in Moldova and the region. The official visit to GIFP concluded the study trip to the Republic of Moldova, 13-19 May.

The Royal College of Defense Studies (RCDS) instructs senior officers of the Armed Forces and Civil Service in defense and international security matters at the highest level, to prepare them for the top posts. It forms part of the Defense Academy of the United Kingdom.

On 26^th of April, at the premises of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, the Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Service of Moldova, together with Danube Logistics SRL conducted one of its regular emergency exercises within the Oil Terminal operated by Danube Logistics. The purpose of the exercise was to decrease the reaction time and synchronize the actions of firefighters and employees of the Oil Terminal. In order to test the vigilance of the firefighting brigade and the capacity of joint intervention, extinguishing of a fire was simulated at the premises of the Oil Terminal at Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

Video reportage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFiJbnkk7ak&feature=youtu.be

Recently Danube Logistics SRL, general investor and operator of GIFP, shipped for the first time bottled wine products in a 40’ft. Container from Giurgiuesti to Kazakhstan. The cargo was delivered to the Russian port of Novorossiysk and subsequently transported by railway to Kostanay in Kazakhstan within 30 days.

On Saturday, February 10 the Minister of Economy of Moldova, Chiril Gaburici paid an official visit to Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) where Thomas Moser, general director of Danube Logistics SRL conducted a short tour of the port and discussed challenges faced by GIFP in its development as one of the most important logistics hub in Moldova and the region.
During the meeting newly appointed Minister of Economy, Chiril Gaburici stated that he will continue to lobby the implementation of the host agreement on Giurgiulesti International Free Port by government. Gaburici mentioned that the rehabilitation of the segment Ciumai-Vulcănești of the M3 Road will start soon and is expected to be refurbished within 2 years.
As part of the short tour, the official delegation witnessed loading of corn to a maritime vessel, visited the container and general cargo terminal, mixed-gauge rail terminal, as well as the port’s business park.

On 27th July 2017 President Igor Dodon paid an official visit to Giurgiulesti International Free Port where Thomas Moser, general director of Danube Logistics SRL, conducted a tour of the facilities for the head of the state and the official delegation.
As part of the short tour Igor Dodon witnessed loading of grain to a maritime vessel, visited the container and general cargo terminal as well as the port’s business park. President noted to the journalists accompanying him on his trip:
„I am proud that between 2005-2009 I was responsible from the Government side for the implementation and development of this project. Giurgiulesti port is an object of strategic importance for our country, which ensures the development of trade both with the countries of the West and with the East. Government should do its utmost to ensure the development of this facility of major importance for our country”, concluded the head of the state.

On Thursday, 29^th of June Moldova joined in celebrating the Danube Day in Giurgiulesti. As part of the event Danube Logistics, the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, organized a picnic reception overlooking the Danube at the port premises.
Traditionally, over 80 Moldovan and international guests seized this beautiful occasion to feel the true spirit of Danube which connects citizens and businesses from 10 European countries and provides Moldova with direct access to the Black Sea. Among the honorable guests were Ms. Christine Freilinger, the Austrian Ambassador to Moldova, Ms. Lucy Joyce, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Moldova, Ms. Signe Burgstaller, the Ambassador of Sweden to Moldova and Mr. Pascal Vagogne, Ambassador of the French Republic to Moldova. The European Business Association team along with its Director Mariana Rufa as well as local authorities and mayors of the neighboring villages were happy to join Mr. Thomas Moser, general director of Danube Logistics SRL and his colleagues in celebrating the Danube Day.
Guests of the event enjoyed the perfect summer weather together with cold chardonnay and rose wine from Vinaria din Vale and refreshing drinks provided by Coca Cola Company. As well as last year „Bunica beats the drum” from Valeni was happy to perform traditional Moldovian songs along with her husband and an orchestra band from Cahul.

Running commentary: http://www.prime.md/ro/ziua-internationala-a-dunarii-evenimentul-a-fost-marcat-cu-mare-fast-in-moldova_57897.html

Danube Logistics is an associated member of the DAPhNE project, which aims at establishing a well-managed working platform (Danube Port Network) meant to tackle inefficiencies in the regulatory framework, port management and port development practice with the help of guidelines, recommendations and concrete pilot activities based on best practices leading to an overall development strategy and action plan. The solutions elaborated by the consortium will be shared with more than 60 Danube ports as possible blueprints.

On February 20 representatives of Danube Logistics participated at the event consecrated to the official launch of the project. The event brought together more than 50 experts: representatives of port authorities, port logistics operators, ministries of transport, river commissions and port technology providers. The DAPhNE project involves partners from 9 European countries (AT, SK, HU, HR, RS, RO, BG, MD, UK) and will run for 30 months from January 2017 until June 2019.

Source and full story: https://goo.gl/4dA3xT

Danube Logistics has developed its first report on Carbon Footprint in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. The emission sources included in the carbon footprint report refer to generated CO2 emissions respectively to the emissions equivalent to CO2. The inventory was developed for the year 2016 at the premises of Giurgiulesti International Free Port.
In accordance with a control-based approach Danube Logistics calculated the CO2 emissions of these operational activities that actually can be influenced by the company. The calculations are based on real measurements of fuel and energy consumption ensuring a high level of accuracy of the results.
Following the findings of this report Danube Logistics strives to identify suitable measures in order to reduce carbon footprint emissions.

Finalcarbonfootprintingreport

Danube Logistics SRL is an associated member of the DANTE project, which aims to identify and eliminate administrative barriers for inland waterway transport (IWT) on the Danube and its navigable tributaries as a joint initiative of the private sector and the national public authorities. The project will run for 30 months and has started on 1^st January 2017.
The DANTE project focuses on five thematic areas where administrative barriers are most evidently reducing efficiency of IWT operations:
(i) Border Police, Tax & Customs
(ii) Navigation / traffic control authorities
(iii) Port authorities / administrations
(iv) Waterway and Canal administrations
(v) Other relevant authorities imposing barriers (e.g. health control, disaster management, etc.)
The overall budget (almost 2 million EUR) allocated for the implementation of the DANTE project consists of contributions from the EU funds.
Representatives of Giurgiulesti International Free Port took part at the kick-off event in Budapest on 17 February 2017. During the event partners from the countries which shares the Danube River basin discussed issues related to the improvement of administrative procedures and processes for Danube inland water transport. DANTE outcomes shall strengthen the competitive position of companies using the Danube and its navigable tributaries in their logistic chain, thus contributing to economic growth and the creation of jobs in the region by increased efficient public administration.
For Danube Logistics SRL participation in this project is a good opportunity to establish long-lasting partner relationship with the representatives of the ports of the Danube river and other partners of DANTE project, as well as support the environmentally-friendly and safe transport systems on the Danube river.

In December 2016 Danube Logistics, general investor and operator of GIFP, carried out the transshipment of approximately 1.200 tons of gasoline from a river barge to the Oil Terminal located within GIFP bounds. The same amount of gasoline is expected to be delivered to GIFP in cisterns via railway in the end of January. The gasoline made it on along the Danube River to Giurgiulesti International Free Port from the SLOVNAFT Refinery located near Bratislava. SLOVNAFT, a.s., based in Bratislava is refinery with annual processing capacity of 5.5 – 6 million tons. The company core business is production, warehousing, wholesale and retail sales and distribution. SLOVNAFT, a.s., dispose with the largest retail network in SK offering top quality motor fuels and lubricants as well as related customer services including shop, gastro service, car wash and some others.

The transshipment of cargo via Giurgiulesti International Free Port increased by 4% reaching 876,274 tons in 2016. The transshipment of bulk cargo via Giurgiulesti International Free Port increased by 3%, reaching 876,274 tons and the transshipment of cargo in sea containers increased by 10% reaching 757.977 tons in 2016. About 57% of the bulk cargo transshipments volumes consisted of the export of Moldovan grain, oil seeds and vegetable oil and about 34% of the import of mineral oil products. Grain, oil seeds and vegetable oil were primarily delivered by maritime vessels from Giurgiulesti to European Union countries located in the Mediterranean area. Mineral oil products were mostly delivered to Giurgiulesti by maritime vessels from the Black Sea and the Mediterranean as well as by river barges and via the European railway network from Romania. Apart from the export of agricultural goods and the import oil products, Giurgiulesti International Free Port is also frequently used for the import of construction material, soda ash, coal, pet-coke and agricultural machinery.
The total number of sea containers transshipped via Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) and delivered to/collected from the Port of Constanta by Danube Logistics SRL increased by 3% to 8,200 containers in 2016. While the number of import containers decreased due to the challenging economic environment, the number of sea containers used for the export of Moldovan grain, wine, spirits, vegetable oil and other goods increased by 25%. The main destinations of these export containers shipped from Giurgiulesti were Malaysia (32%), Myanmar (22%), Indonesia (13%), USA (5%) and China (4%). The shipments of containers were realized in collaboration with MSC, CMA, CSCL, COSCO, ZIM, ARAKS, APL and other leading container shipping lines calling on a weekly basis on the port of Constanta.
Thomas Moser, the Chairman of Danube Logistics SRL stated: “We are very pleased about the considerable increase in the export of Moldovan goods in sea containers. Last year we managed to facilitate Moldovan exports to 43 countries.”
Danube Logistics SRL is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port and a multi-modal logistic service supplier. Giurgiulesti International Free Port is a Black Sea — Danube Port located on the maritime section of the Danube in the Republic of Moldova.

On November 10, 2016 Trans Cargo Terminal SRL, a subsidiary of Trans-Oil Group (TOG), celebrated the completion of its grain export terminal expansion project at Giurgiulesti International Free Port. As a result, Trans Cargo Terminal is now able to load more than 1,000 tons of grain per hour onto maritime vessels of up to 8,000 tons, as well as river barges — the fastest loading rate of any grain terminal in the region.

Vaja Jhashi, President of TOG stated: “Due to the substantial increase of our capacity we will be able to attract new clients and at the same time enable our group of companies and our existing clients to increase the transshipment volumes. The expansion project consisted of the construction of an additional berth on the Danube, the erection of a silo with a storage capacity of 12,000 tons, a brand new deep water jetty as well as the installation of high-capacity loading equipment. In total about USD 6m were invested for the realization of this project, which has created 30 additional permanent jobs. The expanded facility has a total grain storage capacity of 70,000 tons and increased the transshipment capacity from 300,000 tons to 800,000 tons per annum, which is equivalent to about 75% of the Republic of Moldova’s annual grain exports.”

Thomas Moser, the director of Danube Logistics SRL – operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port: “We congratulate Trans Cargo Terminal for the successful expansion of their grain terminal. The increased capacity ensures that from now on the majority of Moldova’s grain exports can be shipped directly from Moldova to international markets”.

In addition to the export of grains in bulk, which are mostly delivered to the markets in the Mediterranean region, significant quantities of Moldovan grain are exported via Giurgiulesti International Free Port in sea containers to Asia. During the first 10 months of 2016, eleven Moldovan companies have shipped more than 60,000 tons of wheat in sea containers from Giurgiulesti to such countries as Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia.

Danube Logistics SRL, general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP), participated in Moldova’s Business Week 2016. Danube Logistics’ Operations Director, Mathias von Tucher presented international transportation and logistics solutions for exporters from the Republic of Moldova. Within his delivery Danube Logistics’ speaker described the advantages of the multimodal logistics of the port in order to access foreign markets, as well as the favorable location of the port’s business park. Mathias von Tucher presented details on the dynamic development of GIFP which has successfully established itself as one of the most important logistics hubs in Moldova and the region.

The State Railway of Moldova (CFM) and Danube Logistics SRL, the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, reached an agreement on the regular transportation of sea containers between Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) and Chisinau railway station. On 1^st of August the first 40 containers were delivered from GIFP to Chisinau by railway in order to facilitate the export of grain in sea containers to South-East Asia.
Initially the Giurgiulesti – Chisinau container transportation service is envisaged to be weekly. The block train reaches the destination in approximately 12 hours. In order to simplify logistics and for convenience of exporters/importers Danube Logistics decided to establish a depot for empty sea containers at Chisinau railway stations.
The railway transportation of containers from/to GIFP is an effective alternative to road transportation, especially during the summer when stringent restrictions for the movement of trucks apply.

On Wednesday, 29th of June for the 10th consecutive year Moldova joined in celebrating the Danube Day in Giurgiulesti. As part of the event Danube Logistics, the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, organized a picnic overlooking the Danube at its premises.
Over 80 Moldovan and international guests who joined the celebration could feel the true spirit of the Danube which connects the citizens and businesses of 10 European countries and provides Moldova with direct access to the Black Sea. Among the honorable guests were the Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola, Head of the European Union Delegation to Moldova, Gerhard Schaumberger, Head of Austrian Development Agency in Moldova, Dr. Rober de Groof, the Consul (h) of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Deputy Minister of Transport, Representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development and Ministry of Environment, Tatiana Galateanu, mayor of Giurgiulesti, as well as mayors from surrounding regions. Along with Thomas Moser, the general director of ICS Danube Logistics SRL, the guests of the event enjoyed the perfect weather, traditional fish soup and  Moldovan wine. The famous “Bunica beats the drum” from Valeni welcomed guests along with her husband performing traditional Moldavian songs, while an orchestra band from Cahul assured a joyful atmosphere.

On Monday, 13 of June, the Danube cruise liner “Anisha” moored at the passenger terminal of Giurgiulesti port.  Aboard the cruise liner were more than 180 mostly German tourists as well as a team of journalists of Germany’s national TV station ARD.  During their stay in Giurgiulesti the journalists visited Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) and conducted an interview with Thomas Moser, the general director of Danube Logistics SRL which operates GIFP.

The journalists witnessed the loading of Moldovan wine into sea containers, inspected Danube Logistics’ container vessel and discussed with Thomas Moser the future development plans of the port as well as the strategic importance of the port for the export of Moldovan goods to international markets. Last year Danube Logistics facilitated the export of Moldovan goods to more than 40 countries via GIFP. With the direct access to international waters on the maritime section of the river Danube, its access to the broad- and narrow-gauge railway systems as well as its location directly on the border with Romania and Ukraine, GIFP continues to develop as an important logistics hub for Moldova and the region.

«The initiated reforms aim to create a competitive environment for investors in various sectors of the economy so that they can benefit from the most innovative tools of customs administration» stated General Director of the Customs Service, Vitalie Vrabie during the meeting with Thomas Moser, CEO of ICS Danube Logistics SRL, a company that manages Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP).

During the meeting there were discussed several issues that need to be optimized in order to ensure smooth functioning of the port and create favorable conditions for the residents of GIFP.

The parties established an agenda of actions to be undertaken in the near future by a working group that was formed for that purpose.

These measures provide for the identification of solutions to simplify customs procedures, as well as adjustment of the existing legal framework so that new provisions regulate including the activity of GIFP. In this regard, Rosario de Blasio, Senior EU Adviser in Customs area, has stated that within these procedures there will be considered best community practices, so that the results correspond to the requirements of international standards.

At his turn, the Danube Logistics, Thomas Moser welcomed the constructive dialogue and the solutions proposed by the Customs Service which will not only simplify international trade of Moldovan companies but also facilitate additional investments of Moldovan and international companies within  GIFP.

ICS Danube Logistics SRL, beneficially owned by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and by the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV, is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port as well as a multi-modal logistic service supplier.

In 2015 the total number of containers transshipped via Giurgiulesti International Free Port and delivered to or collected from the Port of Constanta by Danube Logistics SRL increased by 3% to 7,986 containers (9,912 TEU). While the number of import containers decreased due to the challenging economic environment, the number of sea containers used for the export of Moldovan goods increased by 42%.

The main destinations of these export containers shipped from Giurgiulesti International Free Port were Indonesia (41%), Malaysia (20%), USA (8%), Myanmar (7%) and Thailand (5%). Export cargos in sea containers were mostly grain, oil seeds, wine, spirits, food and wood products.

The container shipments were realized in collaboration with 13 of the world’s leading container shipping lines calling on a weekly basis on the port of Constanta most notably MSC, CMA, CSCL, COSCO, ZIM, ARKS and APL.
Thomas Moser, the Chairman of ICS Danube Logistics SRL stated: “We are very pleased about the considerable increase in the export of Moldovan goods in sea containers via Giurgiulesti International Free Port to international markets last year. Last year we managed to facilitate Moldovan exports to more than 40 countries.”

ICS Danube Logistics SRL, beneficially owned by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and by the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV, is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port as well as a multi-modal logistic service supplier.

The transshipment of liquid and dry bulk cargo via Giurgiulesti International Free Port increased by 8% to a total of 731,548 tons in 2015. About 52% of the transshipment volumes constituted the export of Moldovan grain, oil seeds and vegetable oil primarily by maritime vessels to countries located on the Mediterranean Sea. The remaining 48% of the transshipment volumes constituted of the import of oil products by river barges, maritime tanker vessels and European railway wagons as well as construction material by river barges.

“Despite a difficult economic environment we managed to achieve the largest transshipment volume at Giurgiulesti International Free Port to date in 2015. In the first half of 2015 we still benefitted from the exceptional harvest in 2014, which resulted in a significant increase in the export of agricultural goods via Giurgiulesti. However, we also managed to substantially increase the transshipment of oil products”, said Thomas Moser, the Chairman of ICS Danube Logistics SRL, the operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

ICS Danube Logistics SRL, beneficially owned by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and by the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV, is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port and a multi-modal logistic service supplier. Giurgiulesti International Free Port is a Black Sea — Danube Port located on the maritime section of the Danube in the Republic of Moldova.

source and photo: gov.md

Acting Prime Minister Gheorghe Brega paid a working visit to the Giurgiulesti International Free Port, (PILG) southern Moldova, on 19 november afternoon.

With a status of free economic zone, PILG is the only direct point of distributing and transportation to and from Moldova, which provides access to the land, railway, river and sea communication lines. A meeting took place at the headquarters of the Danube Logistics company, — the manager of the Free Economic Zone (FEZ) Giurgiulesti. Attending the event were acting Transport and Roads Infrastructure Minister Iurie Chirinciuc, representatives of the Economics Ministry, as well as the leadership of the Danube Logistics company.

The director-general of the aforementioned company, Thomas Moser, unveiled a report on the work of FEZ-Giurgiulesti, evolution of exports and imports through the transport infrastructure of PILG. According to the presented data, FEZ-Giurgiulesti has 43 residents, 466 employees, and the investments amount to 60 million dollars. The participants in the meeting also considered subjects on cooperation with the Moldovan government, in order to develop FEZ-Giurgiulesti, among which: restoration of the Giurgiulesti-Chisinau highway and railways, water supply and other aspects.

Full article on www.gov.md

On 25 June 2015 China Shipping Container Lines and Danube Logistics, the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, signed a terminal service agreement enabling China Shipping Container Lines to expand its global container shipping services to Moldova. The decision of Chine Shipping Container Lines to expand its services to Moldova is part of the Chinese government’s initiative to revive the ancient Silk Road via its Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road projects.

China Shipping Container Lines is third international container shipping lines offering a direct service to Giurgiulesti International Free Port. In 2014 the transshipment of containers via Giurgiulesti International Free Port increased by 68% to more than 11,000 TEU.  Last year 57% of import containers originated from China and 76% of the export containers were shipped from Giurgiulesti International Free Port to Asian markets.

Thomas Moser, the Chairman of Danube Logistics stated: “China Shipping Container Lines decision to offer direct services to Moldova via Giurgiulesti International Free Port is the result of our successful collaboration over the last three years. Moldovan exporters will from now on be able to export their goods in regular or refrigerated containers from Moldova with China Shipping Container Lines’ to the world market. Especially Moldovan companies exporting agricultural goods to the fast growing markets in Asia and the Arabian Gulf will greatly benefit from this new service.

Our collaboration with China Shipping Container Lines is the first project of our strategy to develop Giurgiulesti International Free Port as one of the logistics centers and business parks of the New Silk Road. The service agreements we have signed today will enable us to start the development of a special zone within the territory of Giurgiulesti International Free Port for investments of Chinese companies, who wish to access not only the Moldovan but also the European Union and CIS markets.”

Danube Logistics, the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV.

A report by Alexandru Popescu.

Published 03.06.2015

For almost ten years, Republic of Moldova has a maritime gate at the most southern tip of the country — Giurgiulesti International Free Port, a place that becomes more and more attaractive for the business environment, always seekeing new ways to diversify export. The private company administering Giurgiulesti International Free Port has been continuously increasing the volumes of goods transshiped via the Port, be it imports or exports. This, together with new investors in the Free Economic Zone within the territory of the Port determined the company operator and administrator of the Port to open new terminals and build the necessary infrastrucutre. To find out more about how the Port operates, the advantages and growth potential, as well as how these investments changed the lives of many people in the area, you can watch the video report by Alexandru Popescu.

Source and video: http://www.europalibera.org/media/video/27051573.html

Landlocked Moldova is increasing its efforts to overcome Russia’s export embargo.

It is using a 460-metre stretch of a port on the Danube river to send its good abroad to the European Union and beyond.

Danube Logistics are the Dutch operator’s of the Giurgiuslesti port.

Thomas Moser, Danube Logistics’ General Manager, said: “We saw, because of this embargo, last year for the first time the export of apples. It’s the same with wine, we see a steady increase in the export of wine in containers to far growing markets like the United States and China and elsewhere. We are happy to support the Moldovan exporters in these difficult times.”

Through the new port, Moldova’s products reach 43 countries, something they didn’t do before, as previously the majority of exports were taken by truck to Russia.

Ion Sula, the Agriculture Minister, said: “All of our exports, such as cereals, fruit and cattle, can now be shipped from our new Danubian port of Giurgiulesti.”

source + video: http://www.euronews.com/2015/04/17/the-danube-provides-new-trade-route-for-moldova/

sursa:http://www.mtid.gov.md/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=696:dezvoltarea-zonei-giurgiuleti-aduce-noi-locuri-de-munc-in-sudul-moldovei&catid=1:latest-news&lang=en&Itemid=0
poze: Danube Logistics

Dezvoltarea zonei Giurgiulești aduce noi locuri de muncă în sudul Moldovei.

Primul terminal feroviar cu ecartament mixt pentru produse lichide, care va asigura conexiunea dintre țara noastră și comunitatea europeană, a fost dat în exploatare astăzi, în prezența miniștrilor responsabili de dezvoltarea zonei Giurgiulești: Vasile Botnari, ministrul Transporturilor și Infrastructurii Drumurilor, și Andrian Candu, ministrul Economiei.

Astăzi, în Portul Internaţional Liber Giurgiuleşti, pe terminalul portuar pe linie europeană, a intrat prima garnitură de tren cu 16 cisterne cu carburanți din România. Construcția terminalului a implicat o investiție de 2 milioane de euro, printr-un proiect susținut financiar de Banca Europeană pentru Reconstrucții și Dezvoltare (BERD) și de o bancă comercială din Moldova.

Potrivit ministrului Vasile Botnari, sudul Moldovei a devenit un nod multimodal de transport. «Acum un an, am inaugurat aici la Giurgiulești primul segment de cale ferată cu ecartament european. Anul acesta, sunt posibile operațiunile de export-import prin toate tipurile de transport, fie el auto, maritim/naval, sau pe cale ferată direct din Uniunea Europeană. Agenții economici au posibilitatea de a transporta mărfurile în condiții avantajoase, comode pentru ei», a menționat Vasile Botnari.

Un alt avantaj al dezvoltării zonei de sud a țării, potrivit vicepremierului Andrian Candu, este crearea de noi locuri de muncă. «Proiectulul de construcţie a terminalului de cale ferată cu ecartament mixt face parte din Planul de dezvoltare a Portului Internațional Liber Giurgiulești şi reprezintă un pas extrem de important, care cu certitudine va contribui la dezvoltarea mai dinamică a Sudului Moldovei. Un plus mare este și crearea de noi locuri de muncă, obiectiv important în activitatea Ministerului Economiei», a menționat Andrian Candu.

De asemenea, în cadrul întâlnirii cu autoritățile publice locale din Giurgiulești, ministrul Transporturilor Vasile Botnari a anunțat că anul acesta va fi reparat și drumul de acces din regiunea portului. În acest scop, din Fondul Rutier au fost alocate 3 milioane de lei.

sursa: http://mec.gov.md/ro/content/portul-international-giurgiulesti-devine-un-nod-comercial-important-regiune

Portul Internaţional Giurgiuleşti devine un nod comercial important în regiune

5 septembrie 2014, Chişinău – Primul terminal feroviar cu ecartament mixt, care va interconecta Republica Moldova și ţările din Uniunea Europeană, a fost inaugurat în Portul Internaţional Giurgiuleşti, la 4 septembrie curent. La eveniment a participat ministrul Economiei, Andrian Candu împreună cu ministrul Transporturilor Vasile Botnari, conducerea Portului Internaţional Giurgiuleşti, reprezentanţii Băncii Europene pentru Reconstrucţie şi Dezvoltare, ai administraţiei publice locale. Evenimentul a făcut parte din agenda unei vizite de lucru comune a miniştrilor Economiei şi Transporturilor la sudul ţării.

Primul eveniment la care au participat oficialii a fost inaugurarea primului terminal feroviar de transportare a produselor lichide, prin care vor fi importate şi exportate produse petroliere şi  uleiuri. Investiţia în proiect constituie două milioane de euro şi a fost alocată de Banca Europeană pentru Reconstrucţie și Dezvoltare în parteneriat cu o bancă comercială din Republica Moldova.

În cadrul vizitei, ministrul Economiei a vizitat mai multe terminale de pe teritoriul Portului Internaţional Giurgiuleşti, informându-se cu privire la activitatatea acestora, dificultăţile cu care se confruntă, dar şi despre rezultatele obţinute.

5 June 2014. Danube Logistics, the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, stated during today’s export forum, within Moldova Business Week, that Moldovan exporters continue to benefit from favorable tariffs for the export of Moldovan goods in sea containers via Giurgiulesti. In particular the export tariffs to Asian markets continue to be attractive for Moldovan companies. As of the beginning of June the export rates to main export destinations via Giurgiulesti were:

For the export of fruits and vegetables, dairy products and other goods requiring refrigeration during transportation, Danube Logistics offers its clients the transportation of their cargo in refrigerated containers from Moldova via Giurgiulesti to the world markets. The service allows Moldovan companies to diversify the export of fruits and vegetables as well as dairy products to lucrative markets in Middle East, Africa, India and the Far East.

In the first 5 months of 2014 a total of 140,000 tons of Moldovan grain and oil seeds as well as 49,000 tons of vegetable oil were exported in lots of 3,000 – 6,000 tons directly by maritime vessels from Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP) to countries located in the Mediterranean Sea. During the same period Moldovan companies exported goods in about 500 sea containers via GIFP predominantly to Asia, the USA and the EU. The goods exported in sea containers ranged from grain, sunflower seeds, wine, spirits, textiles, sugar, machinery, metals, walnuts, electronics and wood products.

IUNASISTEM is in the process of completing the construction of a new 2,300 square meter warehouse within the business park of Giurgiulesti International Free Port. As a resident of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, IUNASISTEM benefits from the free zone status of Giurgiulesti International Free Port. The new warehouse will become operational in the second half of the year, and will be used for storage of construction materials and goods as well as for manufacturing of goods. Total investments are estimated up to 0.5mln USD.

“It is pleasant to observe our residents expanding their business activities within Giurgiulesti International Free Port, which demonstrates the opportunities our business park offers to potential investors” said Thomas Moser.

Starting this spring, Danube Logistics plans to introduce a regular shipping service between Moldova and Istanbul via Giurgiulesti Port, for the shipment of general and bulk cargo. Evolving from spot shipments based on customers’ request, and due to increased demand, it gradually grew into a regular activity of Danube Logistics.

“We gained considerable experience establishing our weekly Giurgiulesti-Constanta route for transportation of containers and believe that Giurgiulesti-Istanbul route will be as efficient and welcomed. We start with monthly shipments and aim to increase the frequency to a weekly service in the second half of the year” said Thomas Moser, general director.

Danube Logistics, co-organizer of the business and logistics conference “Bayerisch-Moldauisches Wirtschafts- und Logistiktreffen” is cordially inviting companies interested in developing business with Moldova to participate at the event taking place on 6^th of May in Regensburg, Bavaria. Host of this event is the Bayernhafen Group, operator of six Bavarian ports located on the Danube river and the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. The event is supported by the Bavarian Ministry of Economy, Bayern International and a number of Bavarian Chambers of Industry and Trade.

This event does not only target Bavarian companies but any German and Austrian company that are interested in establishing business relations with the Republic of Moldova or invest in Moldova. The conference comprises three parts: Tour in the port of Regensburg, presentations about framework conditions for business in Moldova and presentations about logistics in the Danube area.

Please see the attached flyer for further information in German, or contact us at info@danlog.md or tel.: +373 22 999 225. Participation at this event is free of charge. Please register for this event using the invitation form attached here. It would be a great pleasure to welcome you in Regensburg!

This spring, Danube Logistics conducted the first transshipment of agricultural machines via Giurgiulesti International Free Port. The delivery was arranged with a barge from Port of Deggendorf (Bavaria, Germany) directly to Moldova via the Danube River. The machines arrived in Giurgiulesti Port in 11 days and were stored within the Port to be further prepared for distribution into Moldova, partially by truck and partially self-moving, to the client’s door.

Giurgiulesti International Free Port was identified as one of the most successful projects of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Moldova.
During his two-day business visit to Moldova, EBRD President Sir Suma Chakrabarti gave an interview to Ъ-MD on the Bank’s activities in Moldova and their plans for 2014. When asked about which of their projects in Moldova is consider most successful, Sir Suma Chakrabarti noted that there are many successful projects and each contributes to the development of the country. He underlined the importance of their investments in Giurgiulesti International Free Port, mentioning that their investments helped Moldova obtain direct access to Black Sea, which it previously did not have.

EBRD has so far carried out a total of 105 projects worth over €900 million in the country, covering the energy, transport, agribusiness, general industry and banking sectors. 2013 was a record year with investments of €128.5 million in 15 diverse projects and it is expected that investments will be at least another €100 million in 2014.

Photo: http://www.ebrd.com/pages/about/who/structure/executive/chakrabarti.shtml

The transshipment of liquid and dry cargo via Giurgiulesti International Free Port increased by 50% to a total of 410,509 tons in 2013. About 59% of the transshipment volumes constituted the export of Moldovan grain, oil seeds and vegetable oil by maritime vessels to countries located on the Mediterranean Sea. The remaining 41% of the transshipment volumes constituted the import of oil products via the Danube from Romania, by sea from Israel and Greece, construction material via the Danube from Romania, malt via the Danube from central Europe and soda with maritime vessels from Turkey and Bulgaria.

“In 2013 we managed to achieve the largest transshipment volume at Giurgiulesti International Free Port to date. We obviously benefitted from the exceptional harvest, which resulted in a significant increase in the export of agricultural goods via Giurgiulesti. However, we also managed to substantially increase the transshipment of oil products and attracted the transshipment of new types of cargo such as soda in big bags”, said Thomas Moser, the Chairman of ICS Danube Logistics SRL, the operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

ICS Danube Logistics SRL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV, is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port and a multi-modal logistic service supplier. Giurgiulesti International Free Port is a Black Sea — Danube Port located on the maritime section of the Danube in the Republic of Moldova. For more information see: www.gifp.md

ICS Danube Logistics SRL, the operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port and the operator of a weekly container feeder service to the Port of Constanta, managed to quadruple the transportation and transshipment of sea containers in 2013 to 4,602 containers (6,841 TEU).

Via Giurgiulesti International Free Port alone, Moldovan importers and exporters performed trade operations with cargo transported in sea containers with 44 different countries.

The majority of import containers shipped to Moldova via Giurgiulesti International Free Port originated from China (58%), Spain (14%), Turkey (8%), India (4%), UAE (2%), Canada (2%) and the USA (1%). Import cargo shipped in sea containers ranged from construction material, textiles, electronics, foodstuff, detergents, household items and steel products to machinery.

The major destinations of Moldovan export containers shipped via Giurgiulesti International Free Port were Taiwan (16%), Pakistan (13%), Indonesia (10%), Malaysia (9%), Vietnam (7%), the USA (7%), China (7%) and Turkey (6%). Export cargo in sea containers were mostly grain, oil seeds, wine, spirits, nuts and equipment.

The container shipments were realized in collaboration with 19 of the world’s leading container shipping lines calling on a weekly basis on the port of Constanta most notably MSC, CSCL, ZIM, APL, ARKAS, WHL, CMA and MAERSK.

Thomas Moser, the Chairman of ICS Danube Logistics SRL stated: “After the start of our container operations in 2012 we managed in 2013 to firmly establish the routing of sea containers between Moldova and the world markets via Giurgiulesti International Free Port. The routing via Giurgiulesti has the advantage that the containers are shipped directly by maritime vessels to / from the Republic of Moldova and therefore do not require burdensome and time-consuming inland transit formalities in neighboring countries.”

ICS Danube Logistics SRL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Dutch company Danube Logistics Holding BV, is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port and a multi-modal logistic service supplier.

The First Moldovan Export Forum took place on 22^nd of October 2013. The event gathered Moldova’s leading exporters and national and international experts sharing their views on how Moldova could increase exports to international markets. The objective of the event was to promote export activities, to raise the awareness of new opportunities, programs and financial services as well as to demonstrate the improved access to foreign markets via Giurgiulesti International Free Port.

Five main sessions were identified for the forum: Regulatory Framework for Exports, Access to Foreign Markets: Export Opportunities, Export Logistics, Export Promotion and Assistance and Export Finance and Insurance. These sectors were covered by representatives of Ministry of Economy, Customs service, the embassies of the USA, China, Turkey, Russia and Norway, the European Business Association, the EU Chamber of Commerce Trade and Industry, representatives of Financial Institutions.

In the Export Logistics session, Thomas Moser representing Danube Logistics – the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port — covered the topic of “International Door-to-Door Deliveries“. In doing so, he was supported by the representative of one of the leading container shipping line in the world China Shipping Container Line (office in Romania) Catalin Petre, with his presentation about China Shipping Container Lines in Moldova. As well as by the representative of JF Hillebrand Bulgaria, Mr. Boris Christov, with his presentation on “Delivering Moldovan Wine, Spirits and Juice safely to international markets”

In the Export Promotion and Assistance session, Mr. Kent Larson, Country Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Moldova presented the USAID programs designed to foster the economic development of the country and in particular exports, namely, BRITE, CEED II and ACED.

Mr. Ridha Tekaia, President of of Mobiasbancă – Groupe Société Générale, president of Foreign Investors Association, leaded the “Export Finance and Insurance” session. “This event created a good opportunity for export companies to communicate with institutions involved in international trade. It is important to make export operations as simple as possible in order to encourage the development of this sector and Mobiasbancă is cooperating permanently with Moldovan Government in order to simplify the framework. We are ready to offer efficient solutions and opportunities of export finance, becoming for the exporting companies a strong and competent partner that is always able to understand their needs and help increase their business in fewer risks and more profits. Moreover, Mobiasbancă is the first Moldovan bank that received the international quality certificate ISO 9001:2008, trade finance products being included in the perimeter of certification” stated Mr. Ridha Tekaia

The event was organized by the Ministry of Economy, Moldovan Investment and Export Promotion Organization (MIEPO) in collaboration with Danube Logistics and with the support of Mobiasbanca Groupe Société Générale, and USAID Business Regulatory, Investment, and Trade Environment Program (BRITE).

“The first export forum was a success. The objective of the forum was to present Moldovan exporters new opportunities and to raise their awareness about the numerous support programs and services that can assist them in expanding their activities throughout the world. The high quality of national and international speakers clearly managed to exceed our expectations. Therefore I believe that the Export Forum will become an important annual event for Moldova’s exporters» stated Thomas Moser.

source: www.miepo.md

In view of stimulating the export of domestic products on international markets, in the period of 22th — 23rd of October 2013, in Chisinau it is planned to be organized the Moldovan Export Forum. The event is organized by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Moldova, Moldovan Investment and Export Promotion Organization (MIEPO), jointly with the «Danube Logistics», general investor and operator of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP), being general partner of the event, and also by support of Mobiasbanca — Groupe Société Générale, and the USAID Business Regulatory, Investment, and Trade Environment (BRITE) Program.

The Forum is designed to inform a large number of Moldovan export-oriented producers in regard to opportunities offered by GIFP, so as existent and potential Moldovan exporters could maximum benefit from existing regulatory framework for exports, opportunities for financing and assurance of export procedures, as well as the provided assistance in terms of export promotion on external markets, as well as the programs of trade facilitation and assistance offered by the Republic of Moldova’s Government and international organizations that are present in Moldova.

Moldovan exporting companies are invited to participate at the Forum dedicated to export opportunities of the Republic of Moldova that will take place on 22th — 23rd of October 2013, starting with 08:30 a. m, at «Codru» Hotel. (The program of the forum can be downloaded here). Thus, in order to assure respective organization of the event we kindly request to confirm the participation preliminary via the e-mail irina.miepo@gmail.com or olga.vrajmas@miepo.md (details are available at the tel.: 022 23 24 67, 27-36-54), indicating the following: company/institution name; field of its activity; name, surname and function of the participating person; contact data (e-mail, tel., web).

In order to satisfy the increasing demand for its container logistics services between Constanta South Container Terminal and the Republic of Moldova, Danube Logistics increases the capacity of its feeder vessel by 50%. In addition, due to completion of rehabilitation works of Giuriuglesti-Cahul rail segment, Danube Logistics in collaboration with Moldovan State Rail Way, is now able to establish a weekly block train service to transport containerized cargo between Giurgiulesti and Chisinau.

In order to meet customers’ demand, Danube Logistics decided to charter a larger vessel with a weekly capacity of up to 240 TEU and to introduce a weekly block train service between Giurgiulesti and Chisinau into its logistics chain. Following the completion of the customs formalities at Chisinau railway station, Danube Logistics then delivers the containers to its clients by truck.

Thomas Moser, the Chairman of Danube Logistics, stated: Our new tri-modal container logistic service will not only help us to satisfy the increasing demand but also reduce the transit time and make the customs clearance process more efficient, as well as reduce heavy truck freight traffic on Moldovan roads. We are grateful for the good co-operation we experienced with the State Railway, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Economy, and the customs services which enabled us to set up the block train service in a short period of time.

ICS Danube Logistics SRL is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port as well as one of the leading container forwarding companies in the Republic of Moldova.

As container transshipment volumes rise, types of operations conducted via the Port diversify. Following the record harvest this year, Danube Logistics started to transport sea containers with grain from Moldova, via Giurgiulesti port, to Asia and Turkey. The first 143 containers filled with Moldovan left from Giurgiulesti port to the Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan in August.

“We believe our international container forwarding services will be in high demand until the end of the year due to the record harvest and the availability of highly competitive transportation rates to Asia” stated Thomas Moser, chairman of Danube Logistics.

Danube Logistics offers Moldovan importers and exporters international door-to-door container transportation services in collaboration with major container shipping lines. Danube Logistics is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port as well as the operator of a weekly multi-modal container transportation service between Moldova and the port of Constanta.

Danube Logistics’ transportation tariffs for the export of goods in containers from Chisinau to major Chinese ports have been as low as USD 900 for 20” containers and USD 1,000 for 40” containers during the second quarter of 2013. These favorable container transportation rates contributed to the significant increase in Moldovan exports to China during the first half of 2013.

Transportation tariffs for containers from major Chinese ports to Chisinau via Danube Logistics’ Constanta — Giurgiulesti – Chisinau service averaged at about USD 2,325 per 20” container and at about USD 3,215 per 40” container during the second quarter of 2013. Transit times from major Chinese ports to Chisinau via the Constanta – Giurgiulesti started from 30 days.

Danube Logistics weekly container shipping service between Constanta and Moldova enables Moldovan importers and exporters to avoid expensive and time consuming inland transit formalities in neighboring countries. Danube Logistics is the general investor and operator of Giurgiulesti International Free Port as well as a multi-modal logistic service supplier providing global container logistics solutions.

In the first half of 2013 via Giurgiulesti International Free Port was transshipped a total of 147,500 metric tons of goods, about 7% less than in the same period last year as a result of last year’s drought. Out of the total, 71,800 mt was grain, 52,900 mt oil products, 11,000 mt vegetable oil, 4,200mt soda ash, 2,600 mt of construction material, and about 5,000 mt of other cargo.

The transshipment of containers totaled 2,340 TEU in the first half of 2013, out of which 1,238 TEU were imports and 1,102 TEU exports. Compared to same period last year, the total number of TEUs increased by 200%, out of which imports increased by 210% and exports by 188%.

Via GIFP alone, companies in Moldova performed trade operations of containerized cargo with 36 different countries during the first two quarters of 2013. This is an addition of 10 more countries since the end of first quarter. New countries being Uruguay, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Italy, France, Belgium, Denmark, Cyprus, Pakistan and South Africa. Out of all countries trading containerized cargo with Moldova via GIFP, China continues to be the major trade partner, with 53% imports, followed by Spain with 13.1%, Turkey 10.6%, India 5.8%, United Arab Emirates 2.5%, Argentina 1.9%, Canada 1.6%, USA 1.4, Romania 1.3%, Japan and Malaysia 1% each and others with a percentage below 1% each.

In the first quarter of 2013 a total of 76,375 metric tons of bulk and general cargo was transshipped via Giurgiulesti International Free Port compared to 60,474 metric tons in the same period last year. 47,370 mt of the transshipped volume was grain and oil seeds, 20,265 mt mineral oil products, 8,740 mt vegetable oil and about 1,000 tons of soda ash in big bags.

In addition to bulk and general cargo a total of 508 sea containers were transshipped via Giurgiulesti International Free Port during this year’s first quarter – an almost 300% increase compared to the same period of 2012.
The goods delivered in containers to Moldova via Giurgiulesti during the first quarter of 2013 originated 26 different countries. The vast majority of the containers originated from China (62%), India (9%), Turkey (7%) and Spain (4%). Exports in sea containers via Giurgiulesti were mostly directed to the USA and China.

The shipping tariffs from major Chinese ports to Giurgiulesti averaged at about USD 1,960 per 20” container and at about USD 2,995 per 40” container during the first quarter of 2013. At the beginning of the second quarter these rates dropped to about USD 1,730 for 20” containers and USD 2,660 for 40” containers. Export tariffs from Giurgiulesti to major Chinese ports have been as low as USD 800 for 20” containers and USD 920 for 40” containers.

In mid March Danube Logistics transported for the first time 1,000 mt of soda ash in big bags from the Bulgarian port of Varna to Chisinau. The cargo was transported with Danube Logistics’ chartered general cargo vessel MV Lady Didem from Varna to Giurgiulesti International Free Port and from Giurgiulesti by railway to Chisinau.

“Apart from the transportation of containers, the shipment of general cargo in big bags and on pallets via our container and general cargo terminal in Giurgiulesti is becoming an important part of our business. With our inter-modal logistic services involving our own sea/river vessel, terminal services as well as railway and road transportation services we are able to offer our customers a cost efficient door-to-door solution for the shipment of their goods to Moldova” stated Thomas Moser, the Chairman of Danube Logistics.