What types of cargo transportation are there to Moldova

Freight transportation by road from Moldova. The state of Moldova's transport infrastructure

Moldova is one of the post-Soviet countries. The break in economic ties with the former Soviet republics and the conflict in Transnistria have severely impacted the Moldovan economy. The main industrial base of the country remains in the territory of the unrecognized Transnistria. Although solutions to the Transnistrian conflict have not yet been found, there is no transport blockade of Transnistria, and cargo transportation is possible throughout Moldova.

Moldova has fertile soils and a great climate. All this has primarily determined the agrarian nature of the country's economy. It is the basis of the country's GDP. The second important factor in the formation of Moldova's GDP is the remittances of Moldovans working abroad.

Transport structure of Moldova

Moldova has no access to the sea; however, as a result of negotiations with Ukraine, it has obtained a port. Accordingly, all four main types of modern transport are represented in the republic: water, air, road, and rail.

Moldova borders Romania and Ukraine. Due to the fact that these countries have other common borders, the significance of Moldova as a transit state is limited. The situation may change with the port of Giurgiulești, but relatively close is the Romanian port of Constanța and three Ukrainian ports in the Odessa region.

Roads of Moldova

The condition of most of Moldova's roads is terrible. In the international road quality ranking, Moldova ranked 128th out of 137 possible, placing it on par with Guinea, Mozambique, and Congo. However, the main highways of Moldova are in relatively normal condition, and cargo delivery across the country is possible.

The total length of Moldova's roads is 9352 km, of which 8835 km have a solid surface. There is a fee for driving on Moldovan roads in foreign transport. The cost of the vignette depends on the duration of stay in Moldova. A vignette can be purchased at customs posts at the border or online on the website of the Ministry of Transport of the country.

Possibility of cargo transportation to Moldova by air

Throughout Moldova, including Transnistria, there are 11 airports. However, only one of them — Chișinău International Airport — has international status. The runway of Chișinău International Airport is one of the longest in Eastern Europe, measuring 3590 m in length and 45 m in width. This allows Chișinău Airport to accommodate modern aircraft, making air cargo delivery possible.

The only Moldovan port Giurgiulești

The Moldovan port of Giurgiulești is located 113.8 km from the Black Sea coast at the confluence of the Prut and Danube rivers. 480 m of the Danube coast were transferred to Moldova by Ukraine in exchange for unhindered passage for Ukrainians to Izmail via the road passing through Moldovan territory. Construction of the port began in 1996. Until 2030, the port is a free economic zone. The port has an oil terminal and infrastructure for servicing cargo and passenger vessels, with regular cargo communication established with Turkey. Vessels travel to the Black Sea via the Danube and the Ukrainian Danube-Black Sea canal.

Moldova's railway network

The length of Moldova's railways is 1138 km. Of these, 1124 km have a gauge of 1520 mm, which is the standard for all post-Soviet states. In addition, 14 km of track with a gauge of 1435 mm has been built, which corresponds to the European standard for railway tracks.

What is exported from Moldova

Moldova mainly exports agricultural products to foreign markets: wine, tobacco, fruits, and vegetables. From industrial products, it supplies: automotive tools, electrical wires, and electronic equipment. Additionally, metallurgical products from the "Moldovan Metallurgical Plant" are actively exported. The plant operates in Rîbnița, which is under the control of the unrecognized PMR.