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.