Georgia’s port upgrade
A story from The Steppe #5
Against a backdrop of protests over the Foreign Agents Bill that have rocked Tbilisi in recent weeks, Georgia is returning its gaze to the critical role it hopes to play in the ‘Middle Corridor’. A deep-sea port on the Black Sea, long delayed by the government, could be key in establishing Georgia’s role in the transit corridor between China and Europe.
Last month, Georgia’s Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development announced an international tender for the design and construction of the marine infrastructure of the Anaklia port on the country’s Black Sea coast. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that tender procedures will conclude in May, with construction set to begin in June.
The move could potentially redefine Anaklia’s role, which has long been overshadowed by Georgia’s better known and bustling port city of Batumi, renowned for its hotels, restaurants, and music festivals. The decision aims to capitalize on the heightened interest in international trade following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting freight companies and governments to seek alternative trade routes.
A previous port contract, valued at $2.5 billion, was terminated by the government after a corruption probe.
Tender documents were sent to major dredging companies, including Boskalis, DEME, Jan De Nul, and Van Oord. The winning company will be chosen based on technical and financial capacity. Evaluation will be conducted by a special tender commission in collaboration with international consultants.
The project is expected to generate employment, attract new cargo flows, and develop production and logistics services around the port. However, the Anaklia port holds significant strategic importance for Georgia beyond these immediate benefits. Its expansion will establish a new cargo route between Central Asia and Europe, positioning Anaklia as Georgia's first deep-water harbour and aspiring to compete with ports in Turkey and neighbouring nations.