Türkiye plans shipping route via Constanta, Romania to ease Bulgaria border delays

Türkiye‘s exporters are planning to address persistent delays at major European border crossings like Kapikule and Hamzabeyli by utilizing a new Black Sea shipping route via Romania’s Port of Constanta.

Umit Mirza Cavusoglu, president of the Western Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAIB) spoke to Turkish media, and announced significant progress in plans to transport goods from Sakarya’s Karasu Port to Constanta, with the goal of moving up to 600 trucks daily.

Why it matters

Border congestion has long been a burden for Turkish exporters, causing logistical inefficiencies and financial losses. By opening a new maritime route, Türkiye aims to alleviate these challenges, enhance export capacity and boost competitiveness in European markets.

Details

• Persistent challenges at borders: Kapikule, one of the busiest border crossings globally, faces severe delays due to capacity limitations, seasonal peaks and bureaucratic hurdles, particularly from Bulgaria.
• Proposed solution: Exporters plan to use Ro-Ro ferries to transport trucks from Karasu Port to Constanta. Talks with Romanian port operators have been positive, with initial operations set for 300 trucks per day, eventually increasing to 600 trucks daily.
• Infrastructure improvements: A laboratory for inspecting fresh produce to meet EU compliance is being developed at Constanta, and Türkiye’s Trade Ministry is expected to actively support the initiative by mid-2025.

Challenges at borders

Key factors contributing to delays include:

1. Outdated facilities at Bulgaria’s Lesovo Border Gate.
2. Stricter inspections following Bulgaria’s entry into the Schengen Area.
3. Seasonal export peaks in November and December.
4. Tightened checks due to irregular migration.
5. Implementation of the NCTS-P5 transit system.
6. Insufficient parking facilities at Hamzabeyli.

What they’re saying

• Umit Mirza Cavusoglu, BAIB president:“This new channel will significantly ease the burden. We are optimistic, and the ministry’s involvement will be crucial by May or June.”
• Serafettin Aras, president of the International Transporters Association: “This is a practical solution. Expanding Ro-Ro services at Constanta will increase speed, reduce costs, and alleviate congestion.”

Zoom out

The Port of Constanta initiative represents a pivotal effort to modernize Türkiye’s export logistics. Diversifying transportation routes could significantly reduce bottlenecks and position Türkiye as a more reliable and competitive trade partner in European markets.