Ukraine Reopens Bystre Canal – A New Stage for Danube Freight Transport

As of August 6, 2025, Ukraine has officially resumed navigation through the Bystre Canal for vessels with a draft of up to 4.5 meters. The announcement was made by the specialized outlet AgroWeek.

This decision opens new opportunities for shipowners and logistics companies that were previously forced to reroute due to the temporary closure of the canal. According to experts, the restrictions led to increased transportation costs, making freight rates unacceptable for many charterers and severely reducing market activity.

The reopening of the Bystre Canal is expected to partially revive freight transportation in the Danube Delta. It is also likely to create more balanced conditions for negotiations between charterers and carriers.

It is worth recalling that on July 23, during planned operations in the Danube estuary, a tragic explosion occurred on a dredger vessel, resulting in the deaths of three employees of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority. Other crew members sustained injuries and were hospitalized.

The Institute for Danube Resarch welcomes the reopening of the Bystre Canal as a vital step toward stabilizing logistics flows, improving the accessibility of Ukrainian Danube ports, and strengthening the region's role in ensuring international food security.