Shipowners and port operators are calling for urgent intervention by the authorities to unblock the Danube

River freight traffic is blocked in both directions at kilometer 280 of the Danube, and 30 pushers and self-propelled vessels, as well as more than 100 barges, are immobilized. The blockage affects shipments to and from the Port of Constanța to the Danube ports.

The Association of Shipowners and River Port Operators of Romania and the Constanța Port Business Association state that, despite notifications sent to the authorities, no concrete measures have been taken to resume navigation. No mobilization of equipment or dredging works has been observed on site, although the forecast decline in the Danube’s water level could worsen the situation.

The problem arose after an incident on October 6, 2026, when a river vessel with excessive draft damaged the navigable channel. Shipowners say they are not allowed to carry out dredging works on their own, although they have expressed their willingness to contribute to clearing the blockage.

The blockage is causing delays in the delivery of goods, economic losses, and disruptions to logistics chains. Companies are seeking alternative solutions to partially resume transport, but the organizations warn that each day without intervention increases the risk of a major crisis in river transport.