Dubai-headquartered port operator DP World, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), have signed an EUR25 (USD28.5) million agreement to help electrify Romania’s Constanta South Container Terminal.

The money will become a cornerstone of a EUR100 million (USD114 million) electrification program, which includes EUR46.2 (52.7) million for investment in an unspecified number of electric remote-operated rubber-tyre gantry cranes, additional electric terminal tractors and two electric mobile harbour cranes.

The financing is the terminal’s first dedicated green loan with the EUR100 million investment aimed at reducing CO2 emissions by more than 6,000 tonnes per year.

“The investment marks a significant step in DP World’s decarbonisation strategy in Romania and supports the transition to lower-emission port operations,” DP World states. 

“By replacing ageing diesel-powered equipment with electric alternatives and introducing shore power for vessels at berth, the project will improve air quality, reduce noise and increase operational reliability for customers.”

Also supporting the financing of the electrification program are grants from the European Union and the Romanian Government. 

Alongside the EBRD loan, the project is being delivered with a EUR19.7 (USD22.5) 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. It has also received EUR7.5 (USD8.6) million in funding under Romania’s Transport Program 2021–2027.

Svitlana Balaban, CEO, DP World Constanta, says: “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 Constan?a South Container Terminal with DP World’s global commitment to reducing emissions,” Balaban continues. “By electrifying our operations, we are not just helping customers build more resilient and sustainable supply chains, we are also strengthening Constan?a’s position as the Black Sea's leading green container hub.”