The East to West Connections project was officially launched today in Burgas. During the ceremony, Angel Zaburtov, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications, stated that the implementation of the project highlights the successful partnership between the state and the private sector. “With our joint efforts, we will achieve economic growth and strategic strengthening of Burgas as a key transport hub on the world map,” he added.
The project is being implemented by the concessionaire of the port terminals Burgas East 2 and Burgas West – BMF Port Burgas. The total investment amounts to over €10,7 million, with up to 85 % of the amount provided through non-refundable European co-financing under the Connecting Europe Facility for Transport. The remaining funds will be provided by BMF Port Burgas AD.
The project includes the construction of a connecting railway track between the Burgas East 2 and Burgas West terminals, which will ensure operational continuity.
For the servicing of berths 16, 17, 18 and 19 at port terminal Burgas East 2, two railway tracks and a connecting track will be constructed. The daily capacity for handling wagons will be increased from 128 to 166. Port terminal Burgas West will have six new railway tracks, which will increase the capacity for handling wagons from 33 to 102 per day.
“The clear vision and commitment of the concessionaire for the modernisation and development of the port infrastructure is evident in the successful attraction of grant funds,” said Angel Zaburtov. He expressed confidence that after the completion of the project the connectivity between Eastern and Western Europe will be improved, turning Port Burgas into a key logistics centre along the Baltic Sea – Black Sea – Aegean Sea corridor.