Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

In the presence of the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications Ivaylo Moskovski was held the official naming of the newest mobile crane at Port Varna. The crane Liebherr LHM 550, with a capacity of 144 tons, was named Yatrus – an ancient Thracian god holding the marine element in obedience.

"Today is a special day for you. We celebrate the 110th anniversary of Port Varna. I believe and I know that each of you exerts utmost efforts in your work to bring added value to the product of the harbour. I am convinced that we will achieve much better results." With these words Minister Moskovski began his address to the staff of the port. The Minister wished the new crane to bring much revenue and profit of the company in order to have more investments for such type of equipment.

Minister Ivaylo Moskovski commented on the information received by the management of the port that the crane "Yatrus" is the first and probably the only one in Bulgaria and on the Balkans. He stressed that the biggest advantage of the crane is its mobility. This allows him to operate at the container terminal and then be moved to another berth and to process grain or other cargo. Besides cargo weighing to 144 tons, the crane can handle up to 20-30 containers per hour.

The investment is more than 6 million levs and expectations are for a significant improvement in the handling of cargo, including overdimensional freights. This is a prerequisite to attract new shippers, added Moscovski.

Later in the day Minister Moskovski will personally congratulate the whole team of "Port Varna" EAD on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the port during the festive concert organized by the management for the employees and their families.

In response to a journalist’s questions, Minister Ivaylo Moskovski said that the revenues of the port are good and the company has sustainable development, adding that the issue on the concession of Port Varna-West is outdated.

With regard to the Draft Regulation (№ 38), which has already been published for a 14-days public comment concerning the driving licence examinations, the Minister pointed out that several amendments are envisaged. They affect mainly the construction of the so-called examination terminals. This means that the the seats of the applicants during the test will be isolated from each other so that physical or visual contact between them to be evaded. We also introduce the ban for the applicants to take and use electronic devices in the examination room as well as to keep them, except for the tablets needed for the exam. This will be checked via a technical device, said Ivaylo Moskovski. According to him, a significant amendment is that the regulation provides for carrying out the theoretical exam only in offices of the Executive Agency "Road Transport Administration".

Minister Ivaylo Moskovski said that with the introduction of all these measures is intended to be suspended vicious practices concerning the conduct of driving licence examinations.