Welcome to the 17th edition of the Turnbull Times!

In this issue we provide a detailed view of the ongoing port enhancements and related activities.

Index

Introduction

1. Extension of the Free Zone Regime (February 2025)

2. Power Supply Upgrade for Shore-to-Ship Electricity (March 2025)

3. Rail Modernization at Constanța Port

4. Black Sea Talks Signal Stability

5. Sea Shield 25 Military Exercise

Conclusion

Why Turnbull Services?

Bibliography

Intro:

The Port of Constanța is charging into 2025 with significant upgrades that promise increased ship traffic, improved connectivity, and a greener future, amid global efforts to stabilize Black Sea shipping. For maritime experts at Turnbull Services, these developments spell opportunity. Here’s what’s unfolding and how we’re positioned to support your business.

1. Extension of the Free Zone Regime (February 2025)

On February 13, 2025, Romania’s Minister of Transport, Sorin Grindeanu, announced an extension of the free zone regime within the Constanța-Midia Port area, covering 7.7 million square meters. This integration of Midia Port territories aims to attract new investments, accelerate maritime commercial activities, and reinforce Constanța’s strategic role in Europe’s transport network. The National Company “Administration of Maritime Ports” S.A. Constanța will oversee the area.

2. Power Supply Upgrade for Shore-to-Ship Electricity (March 2025)

On March 21, 2025, the National Company “Administration of Maritime Ports” Constanța (CN APMC), secured an EU-funded contract worth over 86 million lei (€17.2 million) to implement shore-to-ship electricity connections. Awarded to a consortium led by Electromontaj SA, this project will equip 14 berths by December 2026, enabling ships to shut down engines while docked. The result: substantial reductions in emissions and noise pollution, aligning with the EU’s Fit for 55 sustainability objectives. Construction begins in Q2 2025, significantly enhancing the port’s infrastructure and ecological footprint, further solidifying its critical position as a regional trade hub.

3. Rail Modernization at Constanța Port

A major rail infrastructure upgrade is underway at Constanța Port, spearheaded by CFR Infrastructura with the pivotal renovation of the Valu lui Traian station. This €81 million (402.3 million lei) project, partly funded by a €43.5 million EU military mobility grant and the Connecting Europe Facility, addresses congestion caused by the port’s record 92.5 million tonnes of freight handled in 2023, including significant Ukrainian grain exports. Romanian firm BAWI Construction won the contract in early 2024 to build a new 32-line electrified rail yard, upgrade existing tracks, and ensure compliance with EU TSI and ERTMS Level 2 standards. Initiated in early 2025, construction is scheduled for completion around mid-2027, streamlining logistics, cutting transit times, and enhancing Constanța’s role as a vital logistical gateway.

4. Black Sea Talks Signal Stability

On March 24-25, 2025, U.S.-brokered talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Riyadh culminated in a critical maritime ceasefire agreement for the Black Sea. Despite continued drone strikes, both nations pledged to halt naval attacks and maintain safe shipping lanes critical for global trade. Effective immediately, as confirmed by Ukraine’s President Zelensky, the agreement restricts military use of commercial vessels. While Russia conditions full compliance on relief from agricultural export sanctions, this development could substantially boost maritime traffic through Constanța, easing regional tensions.

5. Sea Shield 25 Military Exercise

Between March 31 and April 11, 2025, Romania’s Naval Forces will lead Sea Shield 25, a major multinational exercise involving over 2,300 personnel from Romania, Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, the U.S., and Turkey. Conducted across the Black Sea, Danube River, and coastal areas, the exercise is split into a national phase followed by an international phase. Its primary focus: safeguarding infrastructure and maritime communication routes, underscoring Romania’s essential role in maintaining regional security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Conclusion

With expanded free zones, advanced shore-to-ship electrification, critical rail modernization, diplomatic progress toward regional stability, and reinforced maritime security, the Port of Constanța is set to become a premier logistics and maritime hub in the Black Sea region. These strategic enhancements represent not only growth but a transformative opportunity for businesses ready to capitalize on Constanța’s promising future

Why Turnbull Services?

As Constanța’s strategic expansion gathers momentum, Turnbull Services is proactively building its presence and capabilities to become a major player in port operations. With our European headquarters conveniently located near the Port of Constanța, we are leveraging strong local connections and steadily growing expertise to offer specialized marine and industrial solutions tailored to support your business. Our commitment is to help you effectively navigate and capitalize on the emerging opportunities at Constanța Port.

Contact Turnbull Services today to discuss how we can partner in your growth and success at the Port of Constanța.

Contact Us:

Office Phone: 1-800-645-7129, ask for Robert

Romanian phone: +40 753 570 279

Email: info@turnbullservices.com

Website: https://turnbullservices.com/

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Bibliography

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Railway Pro. (2025, March 26). Constanța Port secures €17.2 million for shore-to-ship power project. https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/constanta-port-secures-e17-2-million-for-shore-to-ship-power-project/

Romania Insider. (2025, March 25). Constanța Port to get shore power supply for ships with EUR 17 mln EU funding. https://www.romania-insider.com/constanta-port-shore-power-supply-eu-funding-march-2025

Romania Insider. (2023). Romania’s Constanța Port sees record traffic thanks to EU investments. https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-constanta-port-record-traffic-2023

Romania Insider. (2024). Romania secures EU funds for transport infrastructure. https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-eu-funds-transport-infrastructure-2024

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Associated Press. (2024, October 23). Romanian government to approve railroad funding for Black Sea port of Constanta. https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/romanian-government-approve-railroad-funding-black-sea-port-constanta-2024-10-23/

Dinu, C. (2024, October 25). Constanta port to get new 150 million euro rail access. RailFreight.com. https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2024/10/25/constanta-port-to-get-new-150-million-euro-rail-access/

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New York Post. (2025, March 25). Russia, Ukraine agree to Black Sea truce, US says. https://nypost.com/2025/03/25/world-news/russia-ukraine-agree-to-black-sea-truce-us-says/

BURSA.ro. (2022, December 22). Bani europeni pentru modernizarea infrastructurii feroviare destinată Portului Constanţa. https://www.bursa.ro/bani-europeni-pentru-modernizarea-infrastructurii-feroviare-destinata-portului-constanta-22422540

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Railway Pro. (2022, December 30). Budget increased for EU military mobility projects. https://www.railwaypro.com/wp/budget-increased-for-eu-military-mobility-projects/

Romania Insider. (2022, November 9). Port of Constanța to receive EUR 1 bln makeover of railway infrastructure. https://www.romania-insider.com/port-constanta-makeover-railway-infrastructure-2022#:~:text=The%20railway%20infrastructure%20in%20Romania’s,the%20modernization%20of%20train%20lines.

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Marica, I. (2025, March 25). Over 2,300 troops from 12 countries to participate in Romania-led Sea Shield 25 exercise. https://www.romania-insider.com/sea-shield-romania-march-2025

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