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RBT: The grains shippments from Constantza increased 19,3% last year, surpassing 7 million tons. Now, after the Romania's adheration to the EU, these shipments might experience new trends. Can you make a prediction on these trends?
Gert Bosscher: A great advantage is the customs papers simplification in the case of grain exports. A disadvantage for transporters will be the obligation to export corn excedents to other EU member states, especially Spain, Italy or Greece. This will be good for local producers, because they will get better prices for their crops. Unlike corn, wheat will be shipped to North Africa and the Middle East. It's most likely that these grains will be shipped in smaller vessels, especially in the case of short routes to export destinations. During last years, shipments were made with Panamax ships, but I think that this year we will see more use of smaller ships – maybe 3.000 tons for Greece and vessels in the Handymax class, of 25.000 to 30.000 tons, for Spain.
