Dredging on the Danube will cost twice as much

The Izmail branch of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA) has signed a contract with the Turkish company Onur Marine Gemi Işletmeciliği Tic. A.Ş. for dredging works worth €954,000 (₴45.9 million excluding VAT). The dredging volume amounts to 170,500 cubic meters, to be carried out by the vessel Hegemann IV.

According to the agreement, the cost is €5.59 per cubic meter (excluding VAT) — nearly twice as expensive as in previous contracts. For comparison, in 2021 the price was around €3.62/m³, and in 2019 only €2.31/m³.

The contract was awarded without competition, as Onur Marine was the only bidder.

IDR comment:

“Maintaining navigation depths on the Ukrainian section of the Danube is strategically important. However, a sharp increase in the cost of dredging without sufficient competition raises questions about transparency and economic justification.
For the sustainable development of Danube ports, it is essential not only to keep channels navigable but also to ensure fair and cost-effective conditions for contractors. This directly affects both public finances and trust in infrastructure governance.”