Vinnytsia, Ukraine – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced that it is set to complete the sale of the Giurgiulești International Free Port to the Romanian state-owned company Maritime Ports Administration Constanța (MPAC) following the latter’s approval of the deal on Thursday, February 12.
Under the share purchase agreement signed on December 31, 2025, the EBRD will give up its 100% ownership of ICS Danube Logistics, the port’s operating company, to MPAC. The agreement was approved by MPAC’s board after opposition by the company’s minority shareholder, Fondul Proprietatea, was quashed.
Giurgiulești International Free Port, located in the southernmost corner of Moldova, is the country’s only access to the sea. Hosting an oil terminal, two grain terminals, a terminal for other goods, and a business park – as well as transport links to Galați, Romania and Reni, Ukraine – the port plays a vital role as a logistics hub for Moldova, managing over 70% of the country’s waterborne imports and exports.
The port’s transfer of ownership also comes at a pivotal moment for the region, as Moldova accelerates its push to join the European Union and the war in neighbouring Ukraine enters its fourth year.
For Moldova, the commitment by MPAC to invest €24 million in the port’s infrastructure promises to solidify Giurgiulești’s position as a regional logistics hub, while signalling further integration into the European market for the small Eastern European state.
Ukraine will also welcome the increase in investment in Giurgiulești’s facilities. The country has become reliant on foreign ports to import and export goods to and from the country after four years of bombardment by Russia on the country’s own facilities. Increased capacity at the port will also build on opportunities being opened by the country as it begins negotiations with Moldova and Romania to establish a ‘green corridor’ to speed up the movement of cargo through the area.
Romania, by acquiring Giurgiulești International Free Port, aims to consolidate its position as the major transit route for cargo to Ukraine now and during the post-war reconstruction period. The Port of Constanța, which is also managed by MPAC, is already the main export route for Ukrainian grain, and the acquisition of Giurgiulești allows the company to build on its expertise in this market.
As the deal has already been pre-approved by Moldovan authorities, the transfer of ownership is expected to take place imminently.
Featured image: Via Giurgiulești International Free Port.
