The expansion of the grain storage capacity of the Comvex Terminal confirms and consolidates the strategic role of the Constanta Port for cargo flows in the region, including from Ukraine, according to a press release from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIR).

'The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania welcomes the inauguration, in Constanta, of the project to expand the storage capacity of the Comvex Grain Terminal, by building five new storage cells at the eastern end of Berth 80,' the press release reads.

According to the cited source, the project adds 28,000 metric tons of temporary grain storage capacity.

'The operating speed that Comvex has demonstrated through this project is an essential asset for the attractiveness of the Port of Constanta, at a time when we have very few real levers available to increase the competitiveness of this hub. The port's storage capacity has increased tenfold in the last 30 years - from 200,000 tons to over 2 million tons today. It is a remarkable development, but it must be continued. That is why I believe that the time has come for Romania to open, through a bilateral discussion with Egypt, the topic of a discount on the Suez Canal tariffs for ships operating in the Port of Constanta. A 10-20% discount on the Canal tariff would be extremely important for the competitiveness of Constanta, given that a single round trip for a Panamax ship costs 500,000 dollars today. Investments such as the one Comvex demonstrates that the private sector is doing its part; it is time for the Romanian state to do its part, through active economic diplomacy in support of trade flows passing through Constanta,' said CCIR President Mihai Daraban, quoted in the press release.

CCIR will continue to support the efforts to consolidate the Port of Constanta as a strategic logistics hub on the Black Sea and will promote, within the bilateral dialogue with partners in the region, solutions that reduce operating costs for ships transiting to and from Constanta, the document also states. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Nicoleta Banciulea; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)