ODESA, MARCH, 16th, 2010, CONTEXT-PRICHERNOMORIE – In February 2010 126 vessels navigated through the Bystroye Channel, Context-Prichernomorie correspondent reports.

The agency was informed about it today 16 March at the press-service of GE Delta-Pilot Ltd.

According to the information provided, this is 51 ships more (or 40.5%) than during the same period last year, and 23 vessels more than in January 2010.

“Ukrainian Channel has as before taken the lead over Romanian Black Sea Channel: in February 2010 only 75 ships came through it, which is 1.7 times less. 178.5 thousand tons of cargoes were sipped through Ukrainian Channel in February 2010.

INFORMATION: The Bystroye Channel (also known as the Danube-Black Sea Channel) is a channel in the Danube Delta. It was among the main Ukrainian waterways until 1959, when its exploitation stopped due to natural silting. There was a project proposed by Ukraine to reopen its navigation. According to official Ukrainian plans, it was to be completed in 2008. Technical characteristics of the “Danube – Black Sea” channel: total length – 172,2 kilometres, the route through the natural estuaries passes: the port of Reni – Izmail Cusp – 44,1 kilometres; Izmail Cusp – port of Vilkovo – 98 kilometres; port of Vilkovo – Black Sea – 17 kilometres Ship navigation is twenty-four-hour, both ways and regulated. The construction of the levee was necessary to diminish siltation of the canal and reduce the pollutions.