CHANGES TO THE RULES FOR PASSING THE SULINA CANAL

Attention, Danube logistics! The Sulina Port Authority (Romania) is tightening control and returning the strict rules for distributing available pilots that were in effect in 2022.
What happened?
Due to the recorded facts of 10 vessels passing to Ukrainian ports outside the priority queue during August 7-11, the Romanian side is introducing daily monitoring of the implementation of the intergovernmental agreement of May 26, 2022.

Key changes that came into force on August 17, 2026:
Only according to USPA lists: The formation of a priority queue for vessels heading to Ukrainian ports through the Sulina Canal is carried out exclusively on the basis of official lists from the Sea Ports Administration of Ukraine. Vessels outside the lists will not be allowed to pass within the Ukrainian quota.
Strict adherence to national quotas: The distribution of pilots returns to the proportion:
•  40% — Ukrainian ports (Reni, Izmail, Orlivka, Kilia)
•  40% — Romanian ports (Galatsi, Braila, Tulcea)
•  20% — Moldovan port (Giurgiuleşti)
•
For other directions — general queue: Vessels heading to ports of other countries will pass through the canal according to the standard rule “first come, first served” (based on arrival time and submission of documents).

Recommendations for members of the UKRZOVNISHTRANS Association:
• Check in advance the inclusion of your vessels in the nomination lists of the USPA before approaching Sulina.
• Take into account the possible increase in waiting time at the roadstead due to increased quota control by the Romanian side.
• Incorporate additional risks into demurrage and charter agreements.
Contacts for checking lists and traffic coordination:
SE «Ukrainian Sea Ports Administration» (USPA):
• Head Office / Dispatch Service: +38 (048) 750-70-00 (list and priority coordination)
• E-mail for list inquiries: info@uspa.gov.ua
• Official website (for monitoring announcements): uspa.gov.ua
Sulin Port Authority / Service Agency (Romania):
• Sulina Duty Dispatcher: +40 (240) 543-321
• Pilotage Operator: +40 (240) 515-520
• Regional Line Agent (AVALON SHIPPING SRL, Kateryna Kononenko): +40 767 458 944
We keep our finger on the pulse of changes. We wish everyone safe and fast shipping!