The Romanian Transport Ministry has proposed seven projects, worth almost EUR 440 million, to improve ship transport on the Danube. Funding for these projects, which are part of the Danube Strategy, should come from European Union operational programs.

The biggest of these project is the EUR 150 million consolidation of the banks of the Danube – Black Sea canal. The feasibility study for the project should finalize in 2011.  The second project, which aims at improving navigation on the Danube between Calarasi and Braila, is worth EUR 38 million and should start in 2011, with a deadline for 2013. The third one, which requires a EUR 140 million investment, looks at improving navigation conditions on the Romanian – Bulgarian Danube sector and is in the feasibility study stage. It should start in 2012 and end in 2015.

The bridge across the Danube – Black Sea canal, with an investment need of EUR 28 million, is already underway. A forth project, of EUR 3 million, will be dedicated to a waiting area for ships.  The reshuffling of the canal locks for the Danube – Black Sea and Poarta Alba – Midia Navodari canals would require an investment of EUR 80 million for two canal locks and could be implemented by 2015, depending on available funds. An information trace system for the Danube transport is also in plan.

A Danube Summit currently takes place in Bucharest, with attendees from Danube countries, as well as representatives of the European Commission, among which EC president Jose Manuel Barosso.

editor@romania-insider.com