The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced on Thursday that it is to finalize the sale of Danube Logistics, the operator of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port (GIFP), to the National Company Maritime Port Administration Constanta, owned by the Romanian state, informs a press release of the international financial institution.
According to the EBRD, the conclusion of the transaction is imminent.
At the end of last year, the EBRD signed an agreement on the sale of 100% of its shares in ICS Danube Logistics, the operator of GIFP, to the National Company Maritime Port Administration Constanta. The approval of the sale agreement was announced by the Port of Constanta on February 12, 2026.
The transaction underlines the strategic partnership between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, supporting deeper economic and trade ties. As Moldova's main maritime gateway, GIFP handles over 70% of the country's waterborne imports and exports, playing a key role in maintaining supply chains and supporting economic stability.
The Port of Constanta is committed to making significant long-term investments in the further development of Giurgiulesti Port. The strategic objective is to expand its capacity, improve infrastructure and strengthen its position in the Black Sea region and the Danube basin.
''This transaction marks a milestone for Moldova's economic development and integration into regional and global trade networks. It also demonstrates the growing investor confidence in Moldova's potential and its strategic importance as a logistics and transport hub for the wider region,'' said the EBRD's Head of Country Office for the Republic of Moldova, Giuseppe Grimaldi.
Since the acquisition of Danube Logistics in 2021, the EBRD has been the sole shareholder of the Giurgiulesti Port. Under the EBRD's leadership, the port has experienced steady growth, significantly higher transport volumes, revenues and profitability. As a result, Danube Logistics now benefits from a robust capital structure and diverse cargo handling and storage capabilities. The agreement with the Port of Constanta fulfils the EBRD's stated objective of ultimately transferring GIFP to a long-term strategic investor, in order to strengthen GIFP's role in European trade.
"As the operator of Moldova's main sea-river port, Danube Logistics has worked hard to position Giurgiulesti International Free Port as a vital gateway for trade, investment, and economic growth not just for Moldova, but for the entire region. We are deeply grateful for the EBRD's support during these transformative years. Under the new ownership of the Port of Constanta, we look forward to further expanding the port's capacity and capabilities, ensuring seamless operations, and building strong synergies within the broader regional transport network," said Danube Logistics CEO Mathias von Tucher.
The Port of Constanta brings to Moldova not only capital, but also decades of operational expertise and a solid track record in managing major maritime infrastructure. Its strategic plan for GIFP includes the sustainable modernization of port infrastructure, capacity expansion, including new berths and land development, broader service offerings for operators, and synergies and integration with the Black Sea commercial network.
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