Romania to Invest Over RON 49 Million in Modernising the Danube Monitoring System

The Lower Danube River Administration (AFDJ) in Romania has launched a public procurement procedure to modernise and expand the network of hydrometric stations along the Romanian section of the Danube. The estimated contract value is RON 49.14 million, excluding VAT.

According to information published by Informat.ro on 8 November 2026, the project aims to improve hydrological monitoring and support safer and more efficient navigation on the Danube.

The project includes the procurement and installation of modern equipment for measuring water levels, discharge and temperature, as well as monitoring meteorological conditions. It also provides for the introduction of information systems and software for collecting, processing and visualising hydrological data.

The works will cover 47 hydrometric stations and seven bridges, including equipment testing and staff training.

The procurement is part of the HyQ2 project — "Rehabilitation and Expansion of the Hydrometric Station Network to Maintain Navigation Conditions on the Romanian Section of the Danube", financed through the EU Transport Programme 2021–2027.

The contract implementation period is expected to be 31 months, with the deadline for submitting bids set for 8 December 2026.

Commentary by the Institute of Danube Research

The modernisation of hydrometric infrastructure is an important component of strengthening the resilience of Danube navigation amid climate change and seasonal fluctuations in water levels.

For the Lower Danube, particularly the Ukrainian ports of Izmail and Reni, accurate and timely hydrological observations are essential for forecasting navigation conditions, planning freight transport and reducing the risk of logistical delays.

However, the strategic importance of this project extends beyond the modernisation of individual monitoring stations. Its implementation could create additional opportunities for developing joint Ukrainian-Romanian hydrological monitoring, real-time data exchange and coordinated measures to maintain navigable channel dimensions.

According to the Institute of Danube Research, such investments should be considered part of a broader effort to establish an integrated digital navigation management system in the Lower Danube region, involving Ukraine, Romania and Moldova.

Particular attention should be paid to ensuring interoperability between national monitoring systems and improving access to hydrological information for inland waterway transport operators.