Romanian transport minister has just announced the completion of the takeover operation by which the Constanta Port authority has acquired Moldova’s only seaport: the Giurgiulesti International Free Port.
Giurgiulesti International Free Port on the Danube, Moldova’s only seaport
Done deal
The long-awaited deal has finally been completed. Romania’s National Company Administration of Maritime Ports (CNAPM) – the port authority for the Romanian seaports of Constanta, Midia, and Mangalia – completed the acquisition of the operator of the Republic of Moldova’s Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP), namely the company Danube Logistics, from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Future port development
By taking over, Romania is making firm commitments to the development of the Giurgiulesti Port and to strengthening its position in the new geopolitical and economic context, being well-positioned to serve also in Ukraine's future reconstruction.
Better integration into the regional transport network
"We want Giurgiulesti to become fully integrated into the transport networks in the region. This could include, for example, supporting external infrastructure projects, such as a motorway or expressway from Galați to Giurgiulești (directly connecting the port to the European road network) or partnerships with the Port of Galați (located across the Danube, in Romania) to operate in a complementary manner. Such measures would more closely integrate the port of Giurgiulesti into the regional transport network, amplifying its role as a gateway to the EU for Moldova," stated Romania’s Transport Minister Ciprian Constantin Serban.
More investments and attention to come
The deal, which according to EBRD is the result of an “extensive global mergers and acquisitions tender process run by the EBRD to identify a long-term strategic investor” is estimated at EUR 62 million. Additionally, CNAPM Constanta would invest another EUR 24 million after the takeover. These investments are expected to increase the port’s competitiveness, strengthen Moldova’s logistical resilience, and boost trade links throughout the region, with mutual advantages for the two neighbouring countries.
In a previous press release, EBRD Head of Moldova Giuseppe Grimaldi stated that “this transaction (…) demonstrates the growing investor confidence in Moldova’s potential and its strategic importance as a logistics and transport hub for the wider region”.