REBIRTH 28 – new horizons for the container business in Bulgaria

Deep-water berths are crucial for enhancing port efficiency, capacity, safety, and competitiveness in the global shipping market, ultimately supporting economic development and trade facilitation. Currently, Port of Constanta offers maximum draft for larger vessels servicing the European coast of the Black Sea. However, thanks to the ambitious project REBIRTH28, this is about to change and in early 2025 Bulgaria’s Burgas port will emerge as a pivotal player in the Black Sea shipping landscape, offering unparalleled capabilities to accommodate the largest vessels seeking deep-water berths.

REBIRTH28 project indicates a new era of maritime excellence for the region. After the construction of the new modern deep-water berth Port Terminal Burgas West will be servicing container and general cargo vessels with up to 15 m draft. The project is implemented by BMF Port Burgas AD - concessionaire of the port terminal since 2013.  Thanks to the new quay and adjacent port area the Container terminal at Burgas West is expected to enlarge the estimated annual capacity by 75% and to significantly elevate its operational efficiency.

Aiming to achieve economies from scale, the trend for continuous container vessels’ size increase is an indisputable fact. The demand for deep-water berths therefore is correspondingly likely to grow. By investing in deep-water infrastructure BMF Port Burgas will position itself to meet future demands and remain at the forefront in the evolving maritime industry. The project also aims to restore the functionality of the rail tracks located inside the port terminal to increase the modal share of the rail transport not only within the Port of Burgas but also to /from the port’s hinterland.

This new opportunity for Burgas Port to handle such largescale vessels will greatly improve the maritime competitiveness of Bulgaria and will most certainly support the economic growth of the region. Deepwater berths attract international shipping lines and help ports remain competitive in global trade. By accommodating larger vessels, ports can offer cost-effective transportation solutions to shippers, attracting more investment to the region and supporting economic growth.

Moreover, REBIRTH28 project holds a major added value behind its investment and extends beyond mere infrastructure development. It incorporates a commitment to sustainability and environmental management. By implementing new technologies and low-emission solutions for cargo handling operations, the project aims to significantly reduce harmful emissions produced by the transport sector. The project will lay the foundation for future shore-side electricity supply at terminal Burgas West by developing a project design for such solutions at the new berth aligning with the Union’s Green Deal recommendations.