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.
