This section compares maritime traffic on the Danube River and the Black Sea. It shows how shipping was divided between these two important routes, both in terms of the number of vessels and their total tonnage. The figures clearly prove that the Danube played a stronger role in Bulgarian shipping than the Black Sea during this period.
Number of Vessels on the Danube
The Danube received the majority of vessels visiting Bulgaria. More than 70 percent of all ships used the Danube ports. In several categories, the Danube handled almost the entire traffic. This dominance shows that river transport was essential for Bulgaria’s foreign and domestic trade Private Istanbul Tour.
Many national fleets preferred the Danube because it offered direct connections to Central Europe. The large number of ships also reflects the importance of Danube ports as transit points for goods moving to and from inland markets.
Tonnage on the Danube
Not only did the Danube have more ships, but it also carried a very large share of the total tonnage. In many cases, over 80 percent of total tonnage passed through the Danube. This means that the ships using the river were not only numerous, but also heavily loaded.
The high tonnage figures show that the Danube was especially important for transporting bulk goods, such as grain, raw materials, and industrial products.
Shipping on the Black Sea
The Black Sea ports received a smaller share of vessels compared to the Danube. In most categories, they accounted for less than 40 percent of ship numbers. However, in some cases, the Black Sea handled ships with relatively high tonnage, which means fewer but larger vessels.
This situation reflects the role of the Black Sea in long-distance international trade, where larger ships were used to carry goods to distant markets.
Comparison Between the Two Routes
When both routes are compared, the Danube clearly dominates in terms of number of vessels, while the Black Sea plays a secondary but still important role in international shipping. The Danube served mainly regional and continental trade, while the Black Sea connected Bulgaria with overseas markets.
In percentage terms, the Danube handled more than 60 percent of all shipping activity, while the Black Sea accounted for the remaining share. This balance highlights the strategic importance of river transport for Bulgaria at the time.
In conclusion, the figures show that the Danube was the main artery of Bulgarian maritime commerce. It carried most ships and most of the tonnage. The Black Sea, although less active in numbers, remained vital for large-scale international trade. Together, these two routes formed the backbone of Bulgaria’s shipping system and supported its growing foreign trade during this period.