The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and DP World have confirmed a loan agreement worth up to €25 million to support the electrification of operations at DPW’s Constanța South Container Terminal.
The financing is the terminal’s first dedicated green loan and forms part of a €100 million ($114 million) investment programme expected to cut CO2 emissions by more than 6,000 tonnes per year.
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Svitlana Balaban, CEO, DP World Constanța, said: “In today’s trading environment, the most competitive ports are the most sustainable ports. This investment reflects that fact by aligning the growth of the Constanța South Container Terminal with DP World’s global commitment to reducing emissions. By electrifying our operations, we are not just helping customers build more resilient and sustainable supply chains, we are also strengthening Constanța’s position as the Black Sea’s leading green container hub.”
According to DP World, ageing diesel-powered equipment will be replaced with electric alternatives, while shore power will be introduced for vessels at berth, improving air quality, reducing noise and increasing operational reliability for customers.
The electrification programme combines the EBRD loan with grants from the European Union and the Romanian government.
Alongside the loan, the project includes a €19.7 million ($22.5 million) grant under the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF), part of the Connecting Europe Facility, with the EBRD acting as the EU’s implementing partner. A further €7.5 million has been secured under Romania’s Transport Programme 2021–2027.
The investment is split into two components. The first, worth €53.8 million ($61.4 million), will establish core electrification infrastructure, including new electrical networks, transformers and distribution facilities, and shore power systems allowing vessels to connect to the port grid while berthed.
It also covers a new connection to the main port power station and grid, rehabilitation of access roads, and the introduction of 10 electric terminal tractors and chargers.
The second component, worth €46.2 million ($52.7 million), will fund equipment including electric, remote-operated rubber-tyred gantry cranes, two electric mobile harbour cranes and additional electric terminal tractors.
Victoria Zinchuk, EBRD Director for Romania, stated: “This is a landmark investment in Romania, which will not only strengthen the Port of Constanța’s role as a strategic logistics hub on the Black Sea, but also deliver significant energy-efficiency gains for the country’s logistics sector. We are delighted to partner with DP World on this first transaction to support the modernisation of the Port of Constanța and demonstrate that competitiveness and decarbonisation can go hand in hand. We look forward to more future cooperation.”