
The Danube River is a vital transportation artery for Romania, and its river ports play a crucial role in the country's economy. With a total length of 2,860 kilometers, the Danube is the second-longest river in Europe and a key trade route between the East and West.
The Romanian river ports are strategically located along the Danube, with the Port of Braila being one of the largest and most important. The Port of Braila handles a significant volume of cargo, including grain, oil, and containers, making it a vital hub for international trade.
Romania's river ports have the capacity to handle large vessels, with the Danube-Black Sea Canal allowing for easy access to the Black Sea and international markets. This makes Romania an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their trade operations.
The Port of Galați is another significant river port in Romania, with a strong focus on cargo handling and logistics. Its proximity to the city of Galați makes it an ideal location for businesses looking to establish a presence in the region.
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Romanian River Ports

Romania has a significant number of river ports along the Danube River, which is a vital transportation route for the country. The Danube River passes through Eastern Romania, where it connects to the Black Sea.
The Danube River has a total of 16,200 meters of piers, with 20% being over 80 years old and in need of modernization, and 65% in a degraded state due to lack of funds for repairs and maintenance. This highlights the importance of investing in the maintenance and development of these ports.
Some of the key ports along the Danube River in Romania include Port Moldova Veche, Port Drobeta Turnu Severin, and Port Calafat, which are part of the TEN-T Core Network Corridors. Other notable ports include Bazias, Orsova, and Cetate, which are part of the POST program aiming to modernize and develop the national infrastructure.
Here are some of the main ports along the Danube River in Romania:
- Port Moldova Veche
- Port Drobeta Turnu Severin
- Port Calafat
- Port Giurgiu
- Port Oltenita
- Port Calarasi
- Port Cernavoda
- Bazias
- Orsova
- Cetate
- Bechet
- Corabia
Romania has also been working to clear customs for ships waiting to enter the country from Ukrainian ports on the Danube River, despite the ongoing conflict. In August 2022, Romania cleared customs for up to 30 ships waiting to enter the country, with plans to clear more in the coming days.
Calafat Port

Calafat Port is governed by a specific set of rules. Government Ordinance no. 22/1999 on the administration of ports and waterways, use of naval transport infrastructure in ports and inland waterways, approved by Law no. 528/2002, provides the framework for its operation.
Danube River Overview
The Danube River is a vital transportation route in Romania, with numerous ports along its banks. The river stretches through Eastern Romania, supporting a significant portion of the country's maritime and fluvial trade.
There are over 16,200 meters of piers along the Danube River in Romania, but a significant portion of them are in a degraded state due to lack of funds for repairs and maintenance. Many of these piers are over 80 years old and urgently need modernization.
A feasibility study was conducted for 12 ports on the Danube River, including 7 TEN-T ports and 5 ports outside the TEN-T network. The study aimed to stimulate rehabilitation of the naval infrastructure and improve the security of machinery and equipment.
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The 7 TEN-T ports that were part of the study are:
- Port Moldova Veche
- Port Drobeta Turnu Severin
- Port Calafat
- Port Giurgiu
- Port Oltenita
- Port Calarasi
- Port Cernavoda
The 5 ports outside the TEN-T network that were part of the study are:
- Bazias
- Orsova
- Cetate
- Bechet
- Corabia
These ports, built mostly in the last century, are in need of modernization to bring their technical parameters back to their original status. The high water level of the Danube River has caused flooding and deterioration of the infrastructure.
Ports in Maritime
Romania has a significant maritime presence along the Danube River. The country's ports play a crucial role in the country's economy, facilitating trade and commerce.
The Danube River is home to several major ports, including Port Sulina, which is a key entry point for international trade. The piers on the Sulina canal, such as Crisan, Baba Rada, Gorgova, Maliuc, and Partizani, also serve as important cargo terminals.
One of the most notable port complexes along the Danube is the Tulcea Port Complex, which handles a significant volume of cargo. Another significant complex is the Galati Port Complex, followed by the Braila Port Complex.
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The Danube River's secondary channels are also home to several important ports, including Port Mahmudia, which offers loading and unloading facilities. Port Chilia Veche, Port Macin, Loading Dock Turcoaia, and Loading Dock Gura Arman are other notable ports on the secondary channels.
Here's a list of the major ports on the Danube River:
- Port Sulina
- Tulcea Port Complex
- Galati Port Complex
- Braila Port Complex
- Port Mahmudia
- Port Chilia Veche
- Port Macin
- Loading Dock Turcoaia
- Loading Dock Gura Arman
Romania to Clear 30 Ships
Romania will clear customs for up to 30 ships waiting to enter Romania from Ukrainian ports on the Danube River over the next two days.
This is a significant effort to keep trade flowing despite Russia's attack on Ukraine's main river port.
The Danube River is the last waterborne route out of Ukraine for its grain exports, since Russia effectively reimposed its de facto blockade, shutting Ukraine's Black Sea ports last month.
Grain is loaded onto barges, shipped downriver through territorial waters of NATO-member Romania, and onwards from Romania's Black Sea port of Constanta.
Commercial ship tracking data shows the river and its mouth backed up with vessels trying to reach and exit the Ukrainian ports.
The Romanian administration cleared record high numbers of ships coming from Ukrainian inland ports in May and June, of over 477 per month.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest port on the Danube River?
The Port of Galați is the largest port on the Danube River, serving as a major hub for international trade. Located in Romania, it's a significant source of revenue for the city of Galați.
Does Romania have a port on the Black Sea?
Yes, Romania has a port on the Black Sea, specifically the Port of Constanța, located on its western coast.
Sources
- http://www.infodanube.ro/PortsTerminals.html
- https://www.agriculture.com/romania-to-clear-30-ships-from-ukrainian-river-ports-by-friday-7569201
- https://www.consitrans.ro/en/12-ports-danube-river-fluvial-2/
- https://www.portcityfutures.nl/news/why-does-bucharest-not-have-a-port
- https://www.consitrans.ro/en/10-ports-danube-river-maritime-2/
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