Low Danube Levels Reduce Serbian Port Traffic
According to the report, cargo handling in Serbian ports decreased by 63% in August and 57% in September compared to the same months last year. The low water level of the Danube River affected both cargo and passenger traffic, with about 12% fewer passengers by the end of September than in the same period last year.
The Agency for Port Management data shows that in August, 63% less cargo was handled compared to the same month last year, while in September, the decline was 57%. Director of the Agency for Port Management, Rajko Tanasijević, pointed out the significant impact of low water levels on cargo and passenger traffic.
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Vladimir Batalović, Assistant Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, emphasized that the low water level of the Danube River affected transport throughout the region and required attention from relevant institutions. He stated that water transport remains an important part of Serbia’s transport system, and its significance for the economy, international trade, and connectivity with the Danube region is undeniable.
The President of the Group for Ports and Terminals of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Sanja Đurišić, highlighted the importance of diversifying transport routes and more efficient use of available capacities of other modes of transport, particularly railways, in ports with suitable infrastructure. She emphasized that stronger connections between different segments of the transport system, cooperation between the economy and relevant institutions, and continuous dialogue with decision-makers are essential for the further development of the port sector.
Mladen Grujić, President of the Group for River Shipping of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that unfavorable navigation conditions affect the entire transport chain, making it essential to maintain constant communication between shipowners, port operators, users of transport services, and relevant institutions. He called for further intensification of cooperation and joint consideration of possibilities for overcoming current challenges, taking into account the specificities of doing business for all participants in the sector.
