Ukraine and Romania agree to speed up vessel traffic through Sulina Canal

Ukraine and Romania have agreed on a series of operational measures to increase the capacity of the Sulina Canal and reduce vessel waiting times. The measures were discussed by representatives of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA), Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy, Romania’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Lower Danube River Administration (AFDJ) and the European Commission.

One of the key steps will be the creation of a joint USPA-AFDJ coordination center to ensure continuous operational cooperation and coordinate vessel traffic. The parties also agreed to work on aligning plans for the development of the Sulina Canal with the needs of Ukraine’s Danube port cluster.

Romania plans to increase the number of customs and border inspection teams, allowing more vessels to be cleared simultaneously. The parties will also focus on advancing the PRIMUS project, which is intended to enable nighttime vessel navigation through the Sulina Canal.

Joint training sessions are also planned for Ukrainian and Romanian shipping agents and customs brokers on clearance procedures under Schengen rules. Particular attention was given to the causes of vessel delays and the need for timely and accurate documentation for transit passage.

The Sulina Canal is strategically important for the operation of Ukraine’s Danube ports, particularly amid growing pressure on alternative export routes. Ukraine, Romania and the European side agreed to work jointly to increase the number of vessels able to pass through the canal and improve the stability of the Danube transport corridor.

Tags: Ukraine, Romania, Sulina Canal