EBRD launches tender to attract investors for Moldova’s Giurgiulesti Port

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has officially launched an international tender to attract strategic investors for Moldova’s Giurgiulesti International Free Port, the country’s only direct access point to the Danube River and, by extension, international maritime trade routes.

The initiative aims to bring in private-sector expertise and capital to modernize and expand the port’s infrastructure, improve operations, and unlock its full potential as a regional logistics hub. According to the EBRD, the selected investor will take a controlling stake in the company operating the port, subject to regulatory approval and final negotiations.

Located in southern Moldova near the borders with Romania and Ukraine, Giurgiulesti plays a crucial role in the country’s trade connectivity. The port facilitates both imports and exports of goods ranging from agricultural products and fuel to containers and general cargo. With Moldova seeking to strengthen its economic ties with the European Union and diversify its trade routes, the development of Giurgiulesti is seen as strategically important.

The EBRD, which is supporting the process in cooperation with the Moldovan government, has been an active partner in the country’s infrastructure and logistics sectors. By launching this tender, the bank intends to enhance private sector participation and ensure that the port continues to operate efficiently, transparently, and in line with international standards.

The call for expressions of interest is open to qualified investors with experience in port operations and infrastructure development. The EBRD has emphasized that transparency, sustainability, and long-term commitment will be key criteria in the selection process.

Interested parties are invited to submit proposals in the coming weeks, after which a shortlist of candidates will be drawn up. The final selection and transaction structure will be determined in consultation with Moldovan authorities and relevant stakeholders.

The move is expected to attract attention from regional and international logistics operators and infrastructure funds, especially given the increasing importance of the Danube corridor for European supply chains.

Giurgiulesti’s development is part of broader efforts to improve Moldova’s trade infrastructure, reduce dependence on overland routes affected by regional instability, and integrate more deeply with European and global markets.