EBRD launches global tender to find new investor for Moldova’s strategic port
On 14 April, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), owner of Giurgiulesti International Free Port, Moldova’s main sea-to-river port, announced an international tender to identify potential strategic and financial investors who could further support the successful long-term development of this strategic asset for Moldova.
According to the EBRD, the tender will be conducted in full coordination with the government of Moldova, including on the future commercial and legal framework of the port, in full alignment with international best practices and standards for the sector.
The port is located on Moldova’s short stretch of Danube river frontage and borders both Romania and Ukraine. As Moldova’s main port, it handles over 70 per cent of the country’s waterborne import and export trade, securing supply chains for Moldova across multiple types of cargo, significantly benefiting the Moldovan economy. The port’s strategic role has increased in the region and the port is well positioned to serve for the future reconstruction of Ukraine.
The EBRD has supported the construction and operation of Giurgiulesti International Free Port since 1995. In its history, the port encountered various financial and operational problems while developing as a fully functional enterprise. In 2013, the EBRD provided a new loan and became the primary economic beneficiary of the operation of the port.
In 2021, the EBRD acquired 100 per cent of the capital of the Danube Logistics group of companies, becoming the sole ultimate owner of Danube Logistics SRL, the operator of the port.
“Since acquiring Giurgiulesti International Free Port in 2021, the EBRD has increased efficiency, throughput volumes and profitability. The EBRD has consistently stated its intention to attract reputable investors to further support and develop the port into a competitive hub for regional and international trade,” says a press release by EBRD.
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