DP World has launched a five-year coastal restoration programme to create underwater “forests” of native seaweed to boost marine life near the Constanța South Container Terminal (CSCT) on the Black Sea.

The project is being delivered with the Mare Nostrum and supported by the Institute of Biology Bucharest (Romanian Academy of Sciences) and the DARVIC association, a local environmental organisation. Over five years it will focus on reviving a native seaweed, Cystoseira barbata, which forms dense underwater habitats that are vital to supporting coastal biodiversity along the Constanța shoreline.

These underwater forests grow in shallow waters, sheltering crustaceans and other invertebrates and providing nursery grounds area for young fish. The seaweed species has declined along parts of the Romanian coast in recent decades due to environmental pressures. The restored habitat also has the potential to contribute to carbon storage (blue carbon), which the project will monitor.

The project will see the mapping of existing habitats to identify areas for restoration and establish nursery sites to grow and the seaweed for reintroduction. Nursery grown seaweed will be planted at the sites and monitored to assess survival, growth and biodiversity. At the same time, the initiative will deliver community education and engagement programmes to raise awareness among local residents and decision-makers about coastal restoration and ways to support healthy shorelines.

Nicholas Mazzei, Vice President – Sustainability – Europe, DP World, said: “Protecting marine ecosystems is fundamental to both our business and sustainability ambitions. This innovative project reflects our ‘source-to-sea’ approach to water stewardship and our commitment to working with partners to restore blue carbon ecosystems. It will support biodiversity, strengthen coastal resilience and contribute to climate adaptation in the Black Sea region. Importantly, the project will also deepen our understanding of the vital role Cystoseira barbata plays in its marine ecosystem off Constanța.”

Marian Paiu, Executive Director of Mare Nostrum, said: “Effective environmental restoration requires sustained commitment and collaboration – in this case, between an environmental NGO, academia and the private sector. Working independently, our potential to deliver real change would be limited. Working together and with DP World’s backing, we can help rebuild the foundations of a healthy coastal ecosystem.”

Nicholas Mazzei

DP World began operating the Constanța South Container Terminal in 2004 – the company’s first investment in Europe. Since then, it has invested over €250 million in Romania, expanding the terminal’s operations and capacity.
Source: DP World