Galati

Galati County exists because the Danube's widest stretch needed steel mills and shipyards. An ancient Dacian settlement at a Danube ford evolved into a fishing village by the 15th century. Ottoman control (early 16th century to 1829) recognized the port's importance. Free port status from 1837-1882 and hosting the Danube European Commission after the Crimean War established Galati as international transit hub. Romania's largest steel works was built here against Soviet wishes - Khrushchev wanted agrarian economies, but Romania's defiance helped open the country to the West. The plant reached 8.2 million tons ($7.2 billion) in 1988. After communist collapse, Sidex Galati passed through Mittal (2001), ArcelorMittal (2006), and Liberty House (2019). Shipbuilding began in the 16th century; Damen Shipyards Galati is now Europe's largest Danube facility, producing vessels up to 55,000 DWT and offshore drilling platforms. Post-communist deindustrialization caused severe unemployment, but the port remains Romania's largest river port and second-largest overall, with river-sea access linking Central Europe to global markets. By 2026, steel and shipbuilding will define the economy while port modernization continues.