photo: BMF Port Burgas/Port of Burgas
Burgas is quietly becoming one of Europe’s key freight gateways. With over EUR 10 million going into new rail links, terminal upgrades, and EU-backed funding, Bulgaria isn’t just expanding a port—it’s anchoring itself deeper into the continent’s logistics network.
Burgas is moving to the centre of Europe’s freight logistics map. With a total investment of over EUR 10.7 million, Bulgaria has officially launched the Connections from East to West project at the Port of Burgas. The goal is clear: build modern, high-capacity railway links between Burgas East-2 and Burgas West terminals and establish the port as a key logistics node along the Baltic–Black–Aegean corridor. As MEDIAPOOL.BG reports, speaking at the launch event, Deputy Transport Minister Angel Zaburtov stated: "With our combined efforts, we will achieve economic growth and strengthen Burgas as a strategic transport hub on the global map."
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European Co-Funding Covers 85% of the Project
The investment, led by port concessionaire BMF Port Burgas, is co-financed under the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility – Transport Sector. As outlined by Dizzyriders.bg, 85% of the funding is provided as non-repayable EU support, while the remaining amount is contributed by BMF Port Burgas itself. According to Angel Zaburtov, the project proves the concessionaire's commitment: "The clear vision and commitment... is visible in the successful attraction of grant funding." The EU’s backing not only provides essential capital but also proves the strategic importance of Burgas in cross-European freight flows.
Infrastructure Overhaul: From 33 to 102 Wagons Per Day
At the core of the project is the construction of six new railway tracks at Burgas West terminal—two operational and four buffer tracks. Each track will range from 565 to 822 metres, with a total combined length of about 3,975 metres. As reported by both MEDIAPOOL.BG and Stroynews.bg, this new infrastructure will support container and bulk cargo trains, raising Burgas West’s rail capacity from 33 to 102 wagons per day—a threefold increase.
In parallel, Burgas East-2 will receive two new tracks (614 m and 412 m) plus a new bretelle connection, specifically designed to serve berths 16–19, which handle general and bulk goods. According to MEDIAPOOL.BG, this expansion is expected to boost capacity from 128 to 166 wagons per day, offering better handling times and smoother logistics across the site.
Ensuring Operational Continuity Between Terminals
A key feature of the project is a 456-metre rail link that will directly connect the two terminals. This new internal track will provide redundancy, ensuring uninterrupted rail operations even if part of the existing infrastructure fails. BMF Port Burgas confirmed that the link will also help accommodate rising freight traffic, an expected outcome as Bulgaria continues to position itself as a freight gateway to Southeast Europe, as reported by Dizzyriders.bg.
Environmental sustainability is also part of the plan. As noted by the Ministry of Transport and MEDIAPOOL.BG, BMF Port Burgas continues to implement measures such as electric shunting locomotives and intermodal rail links to inland logistics centres to minimise the port’s environmental footprint.
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National Intermodal Strategy: EUR 18M Grant Programme Launched
Beyond Burgas, Bulgaria’s transport ministry has announced a national grant scheme to support intermodal terminal operators. As reported by SeeNews, the EUR 18 million programme—financed under the Transport Connectivity Programme 2021–2027—offers grants of up to 50% of eligible project costs. Funding will target zero-emission shunting equipment, modern IT transport systems, and improvements to rail and road infrastructure at intermodal terminals. Individual grants will range between 767 thousand and 2 million EUR, with the application window open until 26 September 2025. This move complements the Burgas investment by strengthening Bulgaria’s overall freight and logistics framework and aligning it with EU Green Deal priorities.
East Meets West: Turning Burgas into a Regional Freight Powerhouse
This EUR 10.7 million investment is not just about expanding a single port—it’s a step toward fully integrating Bulgaria into the EU’s key freight corridors. Deputy Minister Zaburtov reiterated that the East to West connection will enhance Bulgaria’s role in pan-European logistics: "After project completion, Burgas will be better connected to both Eastern and Western Europe, becoming a core logistics centre for the Baltic–Black–Aegean Sea corridor."
Sources: MEDIAPOOL.BG; Dizzyriders.bg; SeeNews; Storynews.bg