Constanta

Europe’s largest private bioremediation project underway in Constanța
Europe’s largest private bioremediation project underway in Constanța 1918 1080 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

In central Constanța, on the site of the former Oil Terminal platform, real estate developer IULIUS has launched the largest bioremediation project ever undertaken by a private investor in Europe.

The soil remediation phase represents an investment exceeding €29 million. It marks the second stage—following extensive archaeological surveys—of a broader €800+ million urban regeneration initiative aimed at transforming 38 hectares of contaminated industrial land, left idle for over a decade, into a vibrant, mixed-use district.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The site carries a heavy industrial legacy: for nearly a century, it housed an oil storage depot featuring more than 30 petroleum product tanks. Given the age of the facilities and the site’s proximity to the city center after eight decades of operation, traditional mechanical remediation was no longer viable.

The breakthrough came from Romanian scientific research. Specialists at the National Research and Development Institute for Soil Science, Agrochemistry and Environmental Protection (ICPA Bucharest) developed a proprietary formula using natural microorganisms isolated directly from the contaminated soil to biodegrade petroleum hydrocarbons. The non-genetically modified bacterial strains pose no risk to human health or the environment, leveraging an enhanced natural degradation process to significantly shorten the site’s recovery timeline.

THE THREE-STAGE BIOREMEDIATION PROCESS

The entire process is being conducted fully on-site through three distinct phases:

  • Soil Bioremediation: Excavated earth is sorted, processed, and arranged into biopiles—structured mounds mixed with compost and organic fertilizers. These are inoculated with the selected microorganisms and maintained under optimal moisture, temperature, and aeration conditions.
  • Contaminant Isolation: A high-density geomembrane lines the base of the excavation, physically preventing any horizontal or vertical migration of pollutants.
  • Groundwater Treatment: A hydrogeological barrier consisting of perimeter wells diverts contaminated groundwater to an on-site treatment facility. The purified water is then recycled for safe operational uses, such as site cleaning and green space irrigation.

INTEGRATED MULTIDISCIPLINARY EXPERTISE

The project brings together top-tier international and domestic expertise. Dr. Anca-Rovena Lăcătușu, Head of Laboratory at ICPA Bucharest, developed the bio-inoculum technology. Water treatment operations are handled by Hoelscher Wasserbau, a leading German environmental engineering firm with over 60 years of industry experience. Engineering design was overseen by Auditeco, led by Cicerone Ionescu, bringing nearly three decades of expertise in environmental compliance and remediation.

To scale the technology, IULIUS invested over €420,000 in research infrastructure:

  • ~€300,000 to equip an ICPA laboratory dedicated to microorganism cultivation.
  • ~€120,000 to establish a chemical analysis laboratory at Ovidius University in Constanța.

VISION: “CONSTANȚA 365”

Beyond environmental restoration, the ultimate goal is urban transformation. IULIUS is advancing Romania’s largest urban regeneration concept—a mixed-use master plan designed by world-renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners to establish Constanța as a year-round destination.

The development will feature cultural and educational venues, retail, office space, entertainment, sports facilities, and a central park with a botanical garden (supported by Dobrogea’s first dedicated tree nursery, where over 1,100 mature trees have already been acclimatized). The master plan also prioritizes sustainable mobility through extensive pedestrian, cycling, and road networks.

Under the tagline “Nature works. Science helps. Constanța wins,” the initiative sets a benchmark for industrial brownfield redevelopment—converting a decades-old environmental liability into a safe urban asset while paving the way for similar soil restoration projects across the region.

Port of Constanța acquires Giurgiulești Port in Moldova & signs agreement with UAE’s AD PORTS GROUP
Port of Constanța acquires Giurgiulești Port in Moldova & signs agreement with UAE’s AD PORTS GROUP 2309 1299 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Following the exceptional years driven by Ukrainian transit, the Port of Constanța has entered a clear stabilization phase. Freight traffic through the port totaled 67.5 million tonnes in 2025, marking a 12.6% decline compared to 2024. For context, 2023 remains the benchmark year, when the port reached a record high of 92 million tonnes of cargo handled. As such, the decline over the past two years reflects a return to structural levels rather than an operational crisis.

The drop was even more pronounced along inland waterways: cargo volume on the Danube–Black Sea Canal reached 14.5 million tonnes in 2025—down 21.1% from 2024. Total ship transits fell from 25,683 to 21,906 (−14.7%), with foreign-flagged vessel transits dropping by 30.6%. This downward trend was apparent from early in the year, with Q1 2025 traffic standing at 15.4 million tonnes (−27% year-over-year).

Key Drivers Behind the Decline

Two primary factors account for the lower volumes:

  • Flow Normalization: Traffic adjusted downward as Ukrainian ports resumed regular operations, reducing the surge in grain transits that inflated figures throughout 2022 and 2023.
  • Domestic Headwinds: Port operators cite rising inflation and sharp tax increases as key drivers, both of which have weighed on labor capacity and future investment plans.

ONGOING INVESTMENTS IN 2026

In contrast to the traffic downturn, the port’s capital expenditure pipeline is accelerating, aimed at bolstering long-term competitiveness:

  • Hinterland Expansion: The acquisition of the Giurgiulești International Free Port was finalized on April 21, 2026—a strategic move expanding Constanța’s regional reach. Romanian authorities have committed to long-term development investments in Giurgiulești to boost capacity, modernize infrastructure, and solidify its position across the Black Sea and Danube basins. The port is also well-positioned to play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s future reconstruction.
  • Dredging Works: A €180 million dredging program across maritime ports (Constanța and Midia) is underway throughout 2025–2026.
  • Rail Infrastructure Upgrade: On February 4, 2026, the winning bidder was announced for Stage III of the rail infrastructure modernization project in the Port of Constanța.
  • EU Funding Absorption: Over €500 million in EU funds is being channeled into road network upgrades, electrical grid enhancements, water and supply networks, and dredging.
  • Strategic Foreign Direct Investment: Representatives from Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD Ports Group) have voiced formal interest in major investments, with a focus on Piers 3 and 4.
  • Road & Access Connectivity: Works began in April 2026 on a 24 million RON project to rehabilitate and expand port roads and overpasses over a 24-month period, addressing a recognized imbalance between road and rail capacity.

Old touristic infrastructure in Constanța demolished for new, modern projects
Old touristic infrastructure in Constanța demolished for new, modern projects 1920 1078 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

With an old touristic infrastructure, a new trend emerges in the Constanta hotel market: the outstanding hotels are being demolished to make room for new, modern projects, adapted to the present demand. Statistics show that in 2024 around 3,000 hotels rooms were closed in Constanta County. This trend will continue in the coming years due to old hotel infrastructure and intensive investment budgets to increase quality of services.

As infrastructure works for better mobility in the south of the seaside advance, we expect to see new investments in Eforie, Costinesti and Neptun-Olimp.

EST HOSPITALITY CONCLUSIONS REGARDING MAIN TRENDS ON SEASIDE TOURISM

  • In the last two years the number of hotels for sale in Constanta county increased. Most of the properties for sale are ranked at 2* and 3*.
  • There is a big potential for new supply addition in 5* category for Constanta and Mamaia where seasonality is reduced.
  • The highest potential is for the hotels with medical treatment (ie sapropelic mud and other medical procedures) that can operate year-round with the lowest seasonality.
  • 5% of tourist’ arrivals and overnights in 2024 were in apartments for rent.
  • Average length of stay in hotels was 2.7 nights and 2.8 nights in apartments for rent.

2025 Constanța Economic Outlook
2025 Constanța Economic Outlook 1620 1080 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Constanța is steadily continuing on its path of being one of Romania’s regional powerhouses. The touristic destination is also an unshakeable pillar of the country’s defence, energy, and food security. Constanta is looking ahead to turbo-boosting its superpowers and a slow transition towards building a corporate culture.

One of the country’s most powerful developers & investors, IULIUS, moves forward with its master planning for the urban regeneration project on 38 hectares, which previously housed the operations of the country’s largest oil products storage and import/export. To draw its vision, the company has retained one of the most prestigious UK-based architectural companies, launched public debates over future functions, and is progressing with the soil decontamination and regeneration phases.

Meanwhile, a smaller, yet more agile entrepreneurial developer is analysing the opportunity of promptly answering the city’s needs for modern office and retail space, potentially serving as an incubator for companies looking to tap into one of Romania’s largest pools of graduates. These initiatives are crucial for Constanta. While the county is uniquely strong in terms of military, energy, shipping & logistics, and agricultural capabilities, these sectors tend to be moderately employment-intensive; thus, a significant part of the locals rely on seasonal tourism jobs for their livelihood. Should the county be able to retain its generous student pool and enjoy year-round employment, the overall prosperity of the region will significantly increase.

Until construction takes shape, the county needs to focus on developing its current strengths. Constanta experiences one of the highest increases in incoming tourists, 11.47% y-o-y growth, above the capital city’s expansion (9.35%) and more than double the national average (4.75%). The city’s grand reopening of the Casino, an art nouveau historical landmark, after years of restoration efforts, should attract new interest. It is to be determined whether it can fully balance out the adverse effects of cancelling the Neversea festival and the restrictions on vacation vouchers during a more cautious consumer behaviour season. New emerging festivals such as “Beach!Please” could help maintain numbers.

New investments in energy infrastructure are steadily moving forward. This year, the authorities began drilling for the first well of Neptun Deep and overcame multiple attempts to stall or block construction initiated by international NGOs. Neptun Deep is of utmost importance not only for Romania, but for Europe as well. In addition to Germany, Hungary is now negotiating to purchase future production. The project can redraw the map of political and economic influence on the continent. Another key event during the past 6 months has been the signing for building the 3rd and 4th nuclear reactors of Cernavoda Power Plant. An international consortium formed by Flour, Sargent & Lundy, Atkins Realis, and Ansaldo will deliver 1,400 MWh of new energy production in seven years. Meanwhile, a 2 billion EUR retrofit contract for Unit 1 was signed. Thanks to its strategic positioning along the Black Sea coast, Constanta plays an essential role in renewable energy, as well. GWhs are built or under development by powerful international investors such as INGKA, Monsson, Rezolv Energy, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Electrica, Eurowind, PPC, Ecoenergy, among others. By mixing the local energy expertise and agricultural production strength, BSOG Energy, backed by Carlyle, launched a new 65 million EUR biomethane and organic fertilized plant in Constanta.

In addition to the expansion of the Mihail Kogalniceanu military base, the strategic defence role of Constanta shall be enhanced by further investments in the Military Port. The Romanian Naval Forces began work on a new wharf and advanced military logistic capabilities. Most recently, the EU unveiled its defence strategy for the Black Sea. In addition to the NATO military base, Kaja Kallas, the EU Diplomacy-Chief, announced major investments in road, air, sea, and rail logistics for heavy equipment transportation. The EU shall establish a Sea Security Hub in the Black Sea, which will serve as an early warning system for potential threats. At the 3Seas Initiative security forum in Warsaw this year, the importance of building the northern corridor of Via Carpathia was yet again underlined by the President.

Meanwhile, at the local level, the city council made small steps towards improving the living infrastructure, mostly relying on EU funds: the student housing was refurbished, the central heating system underwent upgrades, and the flagship Gheorghe Hagi stadium finally signed the financing contract. At the county level, one of the most significant developments is the “Techirgiol Alternative Highway”, which enables much faster traffic distribution to the beach villages along the coast. The government approved the feasibility numbers, and the bid for works is pending. Meanwhile, the Eforie public authorities are attempting to streamline traffic by constructing a couple of flyovers; the bid was recently caught in red tape, and we’re waiting for new developments.

Romanian premiere: Foster + Partners, a world leader in contemporary architecture, is designing IULIUS’ developments in Constanța and Iași
Romanian premiere: Foster + Partners, a world leader in contemporary architecture, is designing IULIUS’ developments in Constanța and Iași 750 536 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

IULIUS Company, one of the largest real estate developers in the country, marks a new strategic development stage and will collaborate with Foster + Partners, one of the most innovative and world-renowned architecture firms, to implement the company’s new urban development vision. The two projects that IULIUS is developing in Iași and Constanța will harness Foster+Partners’50-plus years of global expertise.

The architects’ holistic approach will be reflected in these two major projects:

  • Palas Iași reconfiguration: the company’s landmark project and its best-performing one in the retail segment outside the Capital will be reconfigured to meet the current demands of the market and the community. The transformation will highlight the uniqueness of the location by integrating the Palace of Culture and positioning it in the city’s civic and cultural center and thus enhancing the visitor experience.
  • Large-scale urban reconversion project in Constanța: an investment upwards of 800 million Euro targeting the Oil Terminal platform, which will be completely decontaminated and reconnected to the rest of the city, in a modern, vibrant, and sustainable urban environment. The concept proposed by Foster + Partners offers a vision for the redevelopment of this area, now completely isolated from the rest of the city, transforming it into an attractive hub, with integrated functions that will support the economy, tourism, and social life. The project will revitalize Constanța and strengthen the city’s status as a strategic economic, social, and cultural hub, while contributing to regional and national competitiveness.

“Our entire activity over the past 25 years has revolved around projects that transform cities into better spaces for communities. The projects initiated with Foster + Partners are two of the most complex initiatives we have undertaken so far. In Iași, we are upgrading an existing complex in an iconic historical location, where reverence for the surrounding monuments, such as the Palace of Culture, is paramount. In Constanța, we are likely dealing with one of the largest decontamination projects in Europe and the opportunity to give an identity to an area currently isolated and contaminated. We propose to fully reintegrate this urban space, now an enclave, into the city and transform it into a vibrant center with functions that the city currently lacks. With the expertise of Foster + Partners architects and by working closely with the authorities and the respective communities, we are confident that we can implement a vision that redefines urban development standards in Romania,” said Iulian Dascălu, President of IULIUS Company.

“We are honored to work with IULIUS in addressing the challenges of urban regeneration in two cities of great significance in Romania. Both the Palas Iași project, with its historical and cultural complexity, and the reconversion of the platform in Constanța, a large-scale industrial area, offer opportunities for creating lasting positive impact. It is rare to find a developer with the courage and vision to take on such ambitious challenges. We are proud to lend our expertise and we are confident that, through this collaboration, we will transform these locations into sustainable and attractive destinations, serving as models for the future,” said Maximilian and Daniel Zielinski, Senior Partners Foster + Partners.

Impact announces delivery for the first phase of residential project in Constanta
Impact announces delivery for the first phase of residential project in Constanta 2000 1333 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

07.03.2023

IMPACT Developer & Contractor has completed the first 209 apartments representing the first phase of the Boreal Plus residential compound in Constanta.

Boreal Plus, Constanta

The 209 apartments are located in three blocks and will be handed over to the new owners starting this month. At the same time, the developer also completed a 6-level parking building (S+P+4E) that includes 290 parking spaces. The building is equipped with electric car charging stations, two high-capacity elevators, and individual underground storage boxes . Boreal Plus thus becomes the first residential compound in Constanta with a multi-storey parking building, available for purchase by the residents.

The second development phase of the Boreal Plus compound in the north of Constanta will include 132 apartments, the entire project totaling 673 units with an estimated market value of over 84 million euro. The entire project also includes the construction of a private kindergarten, a park with playgrounds dedicated exclusively to residents, but also several commercial spaces.

IMPACT develops sustainable large-scale residential projects, getting involved in numerous social responsibility projects, for the benefit of the community. Thus, in December 2022, IMPACT completed the construction of a roundabout in Constanța city, located at the intersection between Tomis Boulevard and Amsterdam Street. The new roundabout improves road traffic both for the residents of the new Boreal Plus residential compound, as well as for those who live in the other neighborhoods located in the north of Constanta and for all those who transit the city towards Ovidiu and A2 highway, streamlining traffic and increasing safety on this section. The total investment in this public infrastructure project amounted to over 450,000 euro, the beneficiary being the National Road Infrastructure Administration Company (CNAIR) through the Constanta Regional Roads and Bridges Directorate.

CERTION completes VOGH Olimp project, less than two years after the works started
CERTION completes VOGH Olimp project, less than two years after the works started 1536 864 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

08.11.2022

The real estate developer CERTION announces the completion of VOGH project, the first brand residences operated as a hotel in Olimp, less than two years after the start of the works. Thus, the company is preparing to start the reception process and then the delivery of the apartments to customers, with the project to be opened to guests in the first part of next year.

Located and developed in Olimp resort, which is in full transformation through investments of over 700 million euros until 2025, the 12-storey complex totals 173 apartments, out of which 85% have already been sold, with a total value of 57.6 million

“The successful completion of VOGH Olimp complex, despite the less favorable context of the last two years, confirms our ability to fulfill our promises to our investors and customers. For the entire team, delivery to the promised standard and on time was the main objective during this period,” said Cătălin Scripcaru, CEO of CERTION.

Among the main facilities available to guests and residents of VOGH Olimp is the spectacular infinity pool on the 11th floor overlooking the sea, unique on the Romanian coast. Added to that is the unique CIGAR BAR on the same floor plus a chic SPA area. The property benefits from hotel services specific to authentic brand residences.

The hotel custodian of VOGH Olimp is Loyal Paladin company, which will operate the largest alliance of branded residences in Romania, with a portfolio that will include approximately 2,000 accommodations until 2026.

The chain of brand residences operated by Loyal Paladin and developed by CERTION in the South of the Romanian coast, includes 5 projects, of which VOGH Olimp is the first completed. GALILEO Olimp Resort & Residences is also in an advanced stage of execution, whose construction was started at the end of 2021 and whose delivery is estimated in the second half of next year. The other three CERTION projects in the South of the Romanian coast, LAGO, SOLANTIS in Neptun and PHAROS in Olimp are in the authorization stage.

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