Congestion at Danube ports: 10 bulk ships awaiting at Sulina and Bystre roadsteads

Danube shipping activity remained stable in week 30. Daily transits through the Sulina Canal remained steady at 2-5 vessels per day. Anchorage congestion also held stable; as of July 25, ten bulk carriers were waiting to enter. Favorable weather conditions continued to limit delays, with vessels arriving before 13:00 LT often berthing without wait. However, average delays remain at 1-2 days.

It should be noted that, following a tragic incident involving the dredger Inhulets , operated by Delta-Pilot, Ukrainian authorities have temporarily closed the Bystre Canal to all vessel traffic.

Departures from Giurgiulești, Reni, Izmail, Orlivka, and Vylkove continue to experience delays, as all outbound traffic is subject to mandatory border inspections at Port Tulcea (km 36). These inspections are restricted to a 09:00 - 17:00 window, typically resulting in a minimum two-day delay.

The Sulina Canal permits vessels with drafts up to 7.01 m, while the Bystre Canal has a technical limit of 5.5 m but advises against transit for vessels drawing more than 5 m. Additionally, the maximum permissible draft on the section between Chatal and Izmail (km 114-115) is limited to 6.30 m plus the current water level, affecting the Port of Izmail.