site.btaTwo Ships Now Operating Varna-Batumi Ferry Line, Vessels Running Full in Both Directions, Port Infrastructure Head Says

Two ships are now operating on the ferry line between Varna and Batumi, and both are travelling at near full capacity in both directions, Kristian Bogoev, director of the State Enterprise Port Infrastructure (DPPI), said during a ceremony marking the restoration of the route and the launch of a second vessel.

Bogoev described the ferry line's operation over the past year and three months as an example of successful cooperation between the state and private business. He said the ferry terminal in Varna had become a gateway between Asia and Europe for cargo transport after remaining unused for a long period.

He noted that the terminal had originally been intended mainly for rail freight, but commercial demand later shifted operations primarily toward truck transport. According to him, a third vessel could be added if cargo volumes continue to increase. He also said there is growing interest in the terminal from operators transporting specialized cargo.

Bogoev added that work on restoring the ferry complex is continuing. A parking area covering more than 30 decares has been built, roads in the area have been repaired and the security system has been fully replaced. Railway sleepers are currently being upgraded to increase rail freight capacity, while two cargo handling warehouses have also been renovated.

Etvart Zakeosian, manager of the shipping agency operating the vessels, said the line transports a wide range of goods, from passenger cars to industrial products and food. Container handling has also started in the past two months and is steadily increasing, he added.

According to Zakeosian, both ships are operating at between 80% and 90% capacity in both directions. Most cargo originates from Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

Representatives of the Customs Agency and Bulgarian State Railways attended the event, along with Svilen Shitov, mayor of Devnya. Representatives of the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy also delivered a special greeting, while an Orthodox blessing for health and success was performed by Father Georgi Velikov.