15:00, 28 February 2009

Ferry line "Kavkaz-Varna" commissioned

Today, the railway ferry line between the Russian port "Kavkaz" and Bulgarian port "Varna" was opened. The railway ferry named "Vanguard" carrying 40 tank-cars filled with industrial oil left the Russian port in the morning and shaped its course to Bulgaria.

On March 3, an opening ceremony of the line will be held in the territory of Bulgaria, they have already confirmed their readiness to receive the "Vanguard". On that very day the ferry will leave Varna for Russia.

"We have successfully finalized the international project of a ferry railway line between the ports "Kavkaz" and "Varna". This is a very meaningful event, especially in the year of Bulgaria in Russia," said Alexander Davydenko, head of the Federal Agency of Marine and River Transports.

Earlier, freights were transported overland, across Ukraine, the RBC reports.

Already in 2009, the railway sea ferry line "Kavkaz-Varna" can transport 500,000 tons of cargoes, including crude oil. At the first stage, the "Vanguard" will ensure transportation of 150,000 tons of cargoes per month, the ITAR-TASS writes.