The Romanian government has signed an agreement with Dubai’s Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) and DP World to develop new infrastructure at the Port of Constanta to turn it into one of the most important cargo and vehicle hubs on the Black Sea.
The agreement was signed by Sorin Mihai Grindeanu, Romania’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, and Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director, DP World UAE and Vice-Chairman of PCFC’s Board of Directors.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure aims to develop a new roll-on/roll-ff (RO-RO) terminal to boost cargo vessel traffic at the Black Sea port which has become an important gateway for trade into Eastern Europe.
This will require significant investment and improved procedures to speed up the transit of RO-RO units through Constanta Port. Under the agreement, PCFC will work with DP World, a leading provider of global end-to-end supply chain logistics solutions, to modernise and develop the infrastructure on Pier II-S at the Port.
DP World will implement the project and provide the necessary investments in physical and electronic assets to help turn Constanta into a key centre for imports into Europe. This includes a new state-of-the-art X-ray scanner at the RO-RO terminal, which will significantly reduce the amount of time needed for physical inspections and boost its operational efficiency.
Commenting on the agreement, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of PCFC and Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “A few weeks ago, we celebrated our 18th year of operations at DP World Constanta. We are proud of the confidence that the government of Romania continues to show in us and look forward to delivering a world-class, integrated supply chain solution that will enhance Constanta Port and Romania’s position in the region. This agreement is a testimony to the strength of the relationships we build with our partners around the globe.”
DP World operates a state-of-the-art 1.5 million TEU/yr Constanta South Container Terminal (CTST), already the largest port on the Black Sea, under a concession contract that runs until 2049. It also provides a full rail coordination service with 3 rail lines, each 600m long, capable of handling 3 complete 30 wagon trains at one time.
In addition, DP World is pushing ahead with plans for a new road-rail intermodal terminal in Aiud in Romania, which is expected to operational in the first half of 2023. The terminal will be linked by rail to Constanta establishing a new export route for the key Transylvania region in central-Romania, which has traditionally lacked robust infrastructure for exports.
PCFC is a Dubai Government organisation, which was officially established in 2001 and includes several entities and authorities working under its umbrella. These entities are Dubai Customs, Jafza, Dubai Ports Authority, Dubai Development Authority’s Licensing Department, Dubai Maritime City Authority, The office of the shipping agent for wooden ships, in addition to the organisation’s investment and security arms.
PCFC also focuses on the innovative use of technology to provide smart and distinguished services to its customers. It also works constantly on developing new mechanisms to comply with best practices, ensuring the happiness and loyalty of customers in line with government directives.