Low Water Levels to Block Navigation in Bulgaria's Danube Section

Ship sailing on the Bulgarian section of the Danube River has become extremely difficult as water levels continue to drop. Photo by dariknews.bg

Ship sailing on the Bulgarian section of the Danube River has become extremely difficult as water levels continue to drop.

There are many low water thresholds which obstruct the passage of ships.

"In a few days' time, we may stop our ships altogether," says Ivan Ivanov, Deputy Director of the Fleet Exploitation directorate at Bulgarian River Shipping Jsc, in an interview for Darik radio.

Ivanov points out that the most difficult section is between Ruse and Svishtov.

He informs that the level at some points near Svishtov is 180 cm.

Ivanov explains that it normally takes 10 hours to cover the distance between the two Danube cities, adding that there is a ship that set sail from Ruse on Sunday and has not reached Svishtov yet.

He says that extra vessels have been sent to many spots to unload cargo from the ships to reduce draft.

Ivanov emphasizes that the procedure results in substantial losses for companies operating in the sector.

According to him, the poor regulatory framework of ship sailing on the Danube creates additional problems.

Over the past 24 hours, the Danube's water level at Ruse has dropped by 14 cm and is expected to fall by another 17 cm in the next two days.

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