Bulgaria is in a hurry to launch Ruse-Giurgiu ferry

Bulgaria has ambitions to launch the ferry line across the Danube between Ruse and Giurgiu (Romania) in September. Given the launched renovation of Danube Bridge 1, the ferry link could relieve heavy traffic by between 20 and 30%. This was indicated in a government press release following a meeting between the transport ministry and transport companies.

The resumption of a ferry line to Romania is a topic that has been discussed for several years now. The service was supposed to launch last year, but it never happened. It was only at the end of June this year that it became clear that the Romanian government had approved a project that envisages the restoration of ferry services to serve both banks at the Danube Bridge. There are selected operators, but on the Romanian side, personnel and the necessary communications must still be provided.

In addition to the ferry line, Bulgaria’s acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev gave an idea to separate the flows of heavy goods vehicles into those belonging to EU member states and those of third countries. A week ago, Glavchev proposed a similar idea for the Kulata border checkpoint with Greece, and during his visit there, he added that one way to ease traffic jams at this spot would be to reduce the speed limit on the "Struma" highway between Sofia and the Greek border.

Among the main topics that were discussed between the transport ministry and the transport operators were the easing of traffic flows and congestion at the border checkpoints “Danube Bridge 1 and 2”, "Kulata", "Lesovo" and "Kapitan Andreevo" by setting up additional counters and building modern parking lots and resting areas.

The transport sector also asked for an upgrade of the toll system, as well as a change in the methods of law enforcement, so that it would not serve as an additional reason for delays and traffic jams," says the press release.

On August 8, a meeting initiated by Transport Minister Georgi Gvozdeykov will be held again, where all responsible institutions and transport industry representatives will clarify the details. A meeting will also be organized with Romanian Ambassador Brânduşa Ioana Predescu, who will be acquainted with the proposal to separate the flow of heavy goods vehicles.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov