Bulgaria is fully ready for the resumption of the Ruse-Giurgiu ferry line. The project is of key importance for easing the traffic between Bulgaria and Romania, given the upcoming renovation works on the Danube Bridge. This was stated by the Minister of Transport and Communications Georgi Gvozdeykov during a meeting with the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Violeta Koritarova and the Ambassador of Romania in Sofia H.E. Brundus Predescu.
Minister Gvozdeykov explained the need to open the ferry link. "In this way we will help the transport and the economy, we will help the deliveries to arrive in the fastest way, and the clear deadlines for the launch of the line will bring security and reassurance not only for the transport industry, but also for all tourists," said Georgi Gvozdeykov. According to him, the operator who will carry out the ferry services, as well as all institutions involved in the project, are ready to start work.
"We have carried out an analysis which showed that in May more than 200 000 cars crossed the Danube Bridge at Ruse. During the refurbishment, the ferry line will inevitably help ease traffic and shorten crossing times between the two countries. Our studies show that it can take 20% of heavy traffic, which will allow tourists to travel more peacefully," Minister Koritarova said. He added that the contractor company, which will repair the Bulgarian section of the bridge, will work without interruption, with extended working hours 7 days a week, on shortened deadlines with the possibility of shortening the deadline for the repair works.
"On Friday the government of Romania took a very important step towards opening the ferry link between Ruse and Giurgiu, but it will take technical time to start the procedure," said Romanian Ambassador H.E. Brundus Predescu.
Minister Gvozdeikov pointed out to the Romanian ambassador that good organisation was needed on both sides. "Two emergency repairs have been carried out in the last one month, demonstrating the urgency of a complete overhaul of the facility. Our aim is not to make it difficult for people to get through during the summer season, but to ensure their safety," the transport minister said.
