The completion of the first stage of the new terminal at the Varna-West port was marked by an official inauguration ceremony in the presence of Bulgaria’ Transport Minister Petar Mutafchiev and the German Ambassador to Sofia Michael Geier.

The ceremony began at 10:30 am on Monday at the Varna-West Port. Other participants included local politicians, representatives of the maritime business and of the German company suppling the equipment for the new terminal, and clients of the port.

The ceremony included the inauguration and putting in operation of the new 100-ton mobile crane, recently purchased from Germany and other port equipment.

The new terminal has a platform for loading and unloading containers, entrance checkpoint for heavy trucks, a computerized system and center for managing the work flow.

The total investment amount is estimated at 11,300 leva.

With the new equipment the Varna-West port would be able to process the huge container traffic, which just in 2008 has increased by 60%.