Work to start at Romanian Port of Galați, on a large multimodal platform
A project meant to upgrade the Romanian Port of Galați was launched on October 25th, considered one of the most complex for the region.
Called the ‘Galați Multimodal Platform – Upgrading the port Infrastructure, Part 1’, the project is meant to relaunch complex cargo handling operations at the Romanian port area of Galați. With work to begin on bringing the port up to a modern operating status, authorities expect to have efficient trade routes with European countries, by boat, cargo truck or train. The money for this project was awarded by the European Commission, back in June of this year, at a sum of 21,77 million Euros (97,56 million RON). This investment will be used, along with other funds totaling 25,6 million Euros (114,72 million RON) in the first stage of the modernization project.
Part of a grand design
Upgrading the Romanian port area is a first step towards a better national economy, as well as offering better trade routes. As the first building stage of the project is set to commence, authorities remind us the total value, with rail and road connections, at around 80,79 million Euros (362,05 million RON). Around 56,15 million Euros (251,63 million RON) will be supported by the Center of Excellence in Finance. Even more, following the next ten years after work is completed, the Port should be able to provide the area with around 50.000 jobs, according to the General Director of APDM (the Administration for the Danube Maritime Ports) Galați, Luigi Ciubrei. As a bonus, the Director adds, many other economic-related activities will be able to develop near the multimodal port terminal.
Inspired by European ports
The project for the Port of Galați is important, considering the potential impact on European trade. One of the major sources of inspiration is the example set by Central European ports in the last few years, according to the President of Metaltrade International, Corneliu Găvăneanu. In particular, Mr. Găvăneanu refers to the modern Port of Duisburg (in Germany). For instance, the Port of Duisburg has gone through a complex process to upgrade its logistics, in the container handling segment. At the moment, the port has 10 intermodal terminals, each large enough to be considered a port of its own, Mr. Găvăneanu explains.
Furthermore, the example set by the German port has shown Romanian authorities the importance of efficient logistics in the global economy segments and the impact of container transport on the international market.
Considering all the steps necessary to upgrade the Romanian port, including the elaboration of the project itself and the build time, the entire process shouldn’t take more than 42 months.
