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Poti Sea Port
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Key Information
The Poti Sea Port (Georgian: ფოთის საზღვაო ნავსადგური, p’ot’is sazghvao navsadguri) is a major seaport and harbor off the eastern Black Sea coast at the mouth of the Rioni River in Poti, Georgia. Its UN/LOCODE is GEPTI and is located at 42°9′18″N 41°39′16″E / 42.15500°N 41.65444°E
The Poti seaport is a cross point of the Trans-Caucasian Corridor/TRACECA, a multinational project which connects the Romanian port of Constanţa and Bulgarian port Varna with the landlocked countries of the Caspian region and Central Asia.
History
[edit]The construction of a seaport at Poti was conceived shortly after 1828, when the Russian Empire conquered the town from the Ottoman Empire which controlled it since the fractioning of the Kingdom of Georgia. In 1858, Poti was granted the status of a port city, but it was not until 1899 when, under the patronage of the mayor of Poti Niko Nikoladze, the construction entered the sprint stages and was completed by 1907. The seaport has since reconstructed several times, most recently under the sponsorship of the Dutch government and the European Union.[2]
In 2007, the total throughput was 7.7 million tons and container handling was 185,000 TEU.[3]
Privatization and current ownership
[edit]In April 2008, Georgia sold a 51 percent stake of the Poti port area to the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), a company owned by the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, a member of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). RAKIA was tasked with managing the new port terminal and, through its Georgian subsidiary RAKIA Georgia Free Industrial Zone LLC, with developing a Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) in a 49-year management concession. The new FIZ was officially inaugurated by the President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili on 15 April 2008.[4] In 2009, RAKIA UAE acquired the remaining 49 percent stake of the port. However, following the Dubai debt crisis of November 2009, Sheikh Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr decided to sell off most assets held abroad in October 2010.[5] This focus on domestic priorities was prompted by the disputed succession in Ras Al Khaimah following the death of Saud's father, Sheikh Saqr Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, and the need for Saud Bin Saqr to provide for his subjects.[6] Subsequently, 80 percent of the port was sold in April 2011 to APM Terminals, a unit of Denmark's A.P. Moller-Maersk.[7] On 8 September 2011, RAKIA Georgia FIZ decided to alienate 15 percent of its shares in favor of Georgian businessman Gela ("Zaza") Mikadze in recognition of his management, making him a minority partner in the FIZ. Mikadze owns these shares through the UK based Manline Projects LLP company, which is owned by offshore companies belonging to Mikadze.[8]
Gallery
[edit]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "UNLOCODE (GE) - GEORGIA". service.unece.org. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
- ^ Poti Sea Port: History. Poti Sea Port website. Accessed on April 21, 2008.
- ^ Poti Sea Port: Annual Figures – 2007. Poti Sea Port website. Accessed on April 21, 2008.
- ^ Christina Tashkevich (April 16, 2008). President inaugurates Poti port project. The Messenger Online. Accessed on April 19, 2008.
- ^ "COVER STORY - RAK SPECIAL REPORT - The man who sold the world. - Free Online Library". Thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
- ^ Booth, Robert (27 October 2010). "Death of Gulf emirate ruler Sheikh Saqr prompts fight over succession". Theguardian.com. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
- ^ "Maersk unit buys 80 pct share of Georgian port". In.reuters.com. 19 April 2011. Archived from the original on February 22, 2019. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
- ^ "მეწარმეთა და არასამეწარმეო (არაკომერციულ) იურიდიულ პირთა რეესტრი". Enreg.reestri.gov.ge. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
External links
[edit]- Poti Sea Port chart. "Maritime Transport Department of Georgia". Accessed on May 2, 2008.
- Poti Freight Forwarder. "Black Sea Cargo" - a freight forwarder company operating in the Port of Poti.
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Poti Sea Port
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The Poti Sea Port is Georgia's largest and busiest seaport, situated on the eastern Black Sea coast at the mouth of the Rioni River in the city of Poti, serving as a critical maritime gateway for the Caucasus region and Central Asia. Established in 1858 during the Russian Empire era, it handles a diverse range of cargo including containers (accounting for about 85% of Georgia's total container traffic), dry bulk, liquids, general cargo, and passenger ferries, with an annual throughput exceeding 600,000 TEUs and millions of tons of other commodities as of 2025.[1][2][3][4]
Operated by APM Terminals Poti, a subsidiary of A.P. Moller-Maersk, the port has been under majority private ownership since 2011, following APM Terminals' acquisition of a controlling stake to modernize facilities and expand capacity. The port features multiple terminals, including dedicated container yards, bulk handling areas, and a new multimodal terminal launched in June 2025 to support the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), enhancing connectivity between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In the first ten months of 2025, it processed 532,908 TEUs—a 17% increase year-over-year—alongside growth in general cargo (11% up to 214,095 tons) and ferry operations (to 136,805 tons), underscoring its role as a regional trade hub amid rising volumes from the Middle Corridor.[4][5][6]
Ongoing expansion plans include an investment of at least $200 million for a deep-water port, aiming to increase container capacity by over 400,000 TEUs annually to more than 800,000 TEUs by dredging the harbor, extending berths, and adding advanced equipment, positioning Poti as a key player in Black Sea and Eurasian logistics despite geopolitical challenges in the region.[2][7]
This table summarizes key performance indicators, illustrating the port's post-2022 recovery and 2025 growth trajectory.[83][4][84][5]
Location and Geography
Site and Access
The Poti Sea Port is located at the mouth of the Rioni River on the eastern Black Sea coast in western Georgia, serving as the country's primary maritime gateway. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 42°09′N 41°40′E, positioning it directly within the boundaries of the city of Poti, which facilitates seamless integration with urban infrastructure.[8] This strategic placement enhances the port's role in regional logistics, with the surrounding flat terrain of the Colchis Lowland providing ample space for expansion and operations.[9] Land access to the port is robust, primarily via the S1 highway, which connects Poti to Tbilisi approximately 320 kilometers inland, enabling efficient road transport for cargo and passengers. Additionally, the Samtredia-Poti-Batumi railway line provides direct rail connectivity to the national network, linking the port to key inland hubs and supporting multimodal freight movement.[2] As a vital gateway for landlocked neighbors Armenia and Azerbaijan, the port handles significant transit volumes from these countries, channeling their exports and imports through its facilities.[10] Water access is supported by the port's natural harbor, which offers depths of up to 12 meters, allowing entry for mid-sized vessels without initial modifications.[11] Ongoing dredging efforts have deepened the approach channel to 13.5 meters, accommodating larger ships and improving navigational efficiency for international trade routes.[12] This enhancement history underscores the port's adaptation to growing vessel sizes in Black Sea shipping.[13]Environmental Conditions
The Poti Sea Port is situated in a subtropical climate zone along the eastern Black Sea coast, characterized by mild temperatures moderated by the sea and the nearby Caucasus Mountains. Average annual temperatures range from approximately 5°C in winter to 26°C in summer, with an overall yearly mean of 14.3°C. Annual precipitation is substantial, totaling around 1,810 mm, contributing to high humidity levels. Winter months often bring frequent fog and storms, which can reduce visibility and disrupt port operations, while the region's exposure to westerly and northwesterly winds exacerbates these conditions.[11] Hydrologically, the port experiences a minimal tidal range of less than 0.1 m, typical of the Black Sea, but is influenced by strong currents from the nearby Rioni River, which discharges into the port area and carries significant silt loads. Sea level fluctuations, both seasonal and storm-induced, can reach amplitudes of up to 1.74 m, while wave heights average 1.0-1.2 m under normal conditions but can surge to 3-6 m or higher during storms, posing risks to vessel maneuvering and infrastructure stability. These dynamic factors, combined with the port's location in the Rioni River delta, necessitate ongoing dredging to maintain navigable depths, with historical efforts deepening the harbor from 4 m to 13 m since the 1930s.[14][11][15] To mitigate these environmental challenges, the port relies on key navigation aids, including breakwaters that protect the harbor entrance, lighthouses for guidance, and compulsory pilotage services to ensure safe passage amid variable currents and waves. The facility remains ice-free year-round due to the mild subtropical regime, though extreme winters may occasionally lead to minor surface icing in the broader Black Sea region.[11][9] Environmental operations at Poti adhere to Georgian maritime laws, including technical regulations on pollution control adopted in 2014, which mandate emission limits for air and water pollutants. The port maintains compliance with international standards such as MARPOL for preventing ship-source pollution, featuring oil spill response plans developed in response to past incidents like the 2015 pyrolysis tar spill near the facility. These plans include emergency protocols, waste management systems, and regular monitoring of water quality parameters such as pH, suspended solids, and total petroleum hydrocarbons to address risks from port activities and river inflows.[11][16][17]Historical Development
Origins and Early Construction
The site of Poti Sea Port has ancient origins, tracing back to the Greek colony of Phasis established in the 6th century BCE on the eastern Black Sea coast in the kingdom of Colchis. This settlement served as a vital trade hub, facilitating the export of local resources such as timber for shipbuilding and metals including gold and iron to Greek city-states and other Mediterranean regions.[18][19] Archaeological evidence from the area confirms Colchis's role in early commerce, with the Phasis River providing access for maritime exchange.[20] Following the Russian Empire's reconquest of the region from the Ottoman Empire in 1828, formalized by the Treaty of Adrianople in 1829, Poti emerged as a strategic site for port development to support imperial trade in the Caucasus. Construction of the port began in earnest in 1858, with the establishment of an initial wooden pier designed primarily for exporting coal and manganese ore from Georgia's interior mines. This modest infrastructure marked the port's transition from a minor anchorage to a functional export facility under Russian administration.[21][22] A pivotal milestone came in 1872 with the completion of the railway linking Poti to Tbilisi, which dramatically enhanced connectivity and spurred economic activity by enabling efficient transport of goods from the hinterland to the Black Sea. By the early 20th century, the port had expanded significantly, with the construction of breakwaters beginning in the 1860s—the north structure started in 1863 and further developments completed by the early 1900s—creating a protected inner basin approximately 200 sajen long and 26 feet deep. This allowed for the development of four berths by the 1910s, solidifying Poti's position as a key Black Sea hub for the Russian Empire.[21]Soviet Era and Post-Independence Changes
Following the incorporation of Georgia into the Soviet Union in 1921, the Poti Sea Port was nationalized and integrated into the USSR's centralized maritime infrastructure, serving as a key node in the Black Sea fleet for exporting essential commodities.[23] Under Soviet planning, the port underwent significant modernization in the 1930s and 1940s to handle bulk cargoes such as oil, grain, and ores, with further expansions in the 1950s enhancing berthing and loading facilities to support industrial growth across the union.[24] By the late Soviet period, Poti's cargo turnover had reached approximately 3.9 million tons annually in 1990, reflecting its peak operational scale before the USSR's dissolution.[25] During World War II, Poti functioned as a temporary naval base for the Soviet Black Sea Fleet, facilitating the export of Georgian manganese ore critical to the Soviet war industry and undergoing repairs to limited facilities amid Axis air raids.[26] The port sustained damage from bombings in the early 1940s but was swiftly rebuilt postwar, with all major war-related impairments addressed by the late 1940s, allowing resumption of full commercial and strategic roles.[24] Manganese shipments from Poti remained vital, underscoring the port's contribution to Soviet metallurgical production.[26] After Georgia's independence in 1991, the port experienced a sharp decline in operations due to the broader economic collapse of the post-Soviet transition, with cargo throughput dropping to around 1-2 million tons annually by the mid-1990s amid hyperinflation and disrupted trade networks.[27] Civil unrest, including civil war and separatist conflicts in the early 1990s, further interrupted port activities, leading to reduced staffing, maintenance delays, and temporary closures that exacerbated the downturn.[28] Initial attempts at privatization in the 1990s faltered amid political instability and lack of investor confidence, delaying structural reforms until the early 2000s.[29] Infrastructure adaptations during this period included a pivot from predominantly bulk cargo handling—such as ores and grains—to general and containerized cargoes to accommodate diversified trade flows.[23] Additionally, in the late 1990s, ferry services were introduced between Poti and Ukrainian ports like Illichivsk, operated by the newly founded Ukrferry company, to revive passenger and Ro-Ro traffic across the Black Sea.[30]Modernization and Key Events
In the early 2000s, Poti Sea Port underwent significant infrastructural reforms to enhance its operational efficiency and accommodate larger vessels. A major dredging project in 2005 removed approximately 949,800 cubic meters of sediment, improving navigability within the port's internal waters, where depths averaged around 4 meters post-project, with plans advancing toward deeper channels of up to 12.5 meters in subsequent phases.[31] This effort was part of broader efforts to modernize the port's access channels amid growing regional trade demands. In 2007, construction of a new container terminal was completed, boosting the port's annual TEU handling capacity to 64,000, enabling more efficient processing of containerized cargo and supporting Georgia's integration into international supply chains.[31] The 2010s marked a period of accelerated development, driven by private investments and strategic alignments with global trade routes. Following APM Terminals' operational takeover in 2011, the company committed over $166 million to infrastructure upgrades, including automation enhancements initiated around 2016 to streamline container handling and reduce turnaround times.[32] These investments facilitated the port's role in the Middle Corridor trade route, with cargo volumes along this China-Europe pathway via Central Asia and the Caucasus surging post-2015, as Poti became a key transshipment hub for containerized goods amid the Belt and Road Initiative's expansion.[33] Key events underscored the port's resilience amid geopolitical and global challenges. During the 2008 Russo-Georgian War, Russian aerial attacks on August 8 led to a temporary two-day shutdown of the seaport, followed by a blockade that disrupted operations for several days, though the facility recovered swiftly without long-term structural damage.[34] In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted adaptations such as enhanced health protocols and contactless operational procedures, including remote coordination for vessel berthing and cargo documentation, allowing the port to maintain 24/7 service without interruptions.[35] Technological advances further solidified Poti's modernization trajectory. By 2022, implementation of digital tracking systems, including real-time container event history and vessel scheduling platforms, enhanced visibility and coordination for stakeholders, reducing delays in the supply chain.[36] These upgrades, enabled by evolving ownership structures, positioned the port as a vital node in regional logistics.Ownership and Management
Privatization Timeline
Following Georgia's independence in 1991, the Poti Sea Port was operated as a state-owned enterprise under the management of the State Enterprise Management Agency, handling the majority of the country's Black Sea cargo throughput amid post-Soviet economic challenges.[27] Inefficiencies in state management, including outdated infrastructure and bureaucratic hurdles, prompted legislative reforms; in December 2006, amendments to the Law of Georgia on State Property Privatization enabled the partial sale of strategic assets like ports to attract foreign investment and improve operational efficiency.[37] In April 2008, the Georgian government sold a 51% stake in the Poti Sea Port to the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), a UAE-based entity, for $90 million, accompanied by a 49-year concession agreement that included rights to develop a 300-hectare free industrial zone adjacent to the port facilities.[38] RAKIA subsequently acquired the remaining 49% stake, achieving full ownership and initiating investments such as an initial $80 million infusion for port upgrades and zone construction, though operational hurdles including regional geopolitical tensions and financial strains emerged shortly thereafter.[39][40] By early 2011, RAKIA's challenges, including slowed development amid the global financial crisis and local economic pressures, led to the divestment of its holdings. In April 2011, APM Terminals—a subsidiary of A.P. Moller-Maersk—acquired an 80% controlling stake in the port from RAKIA, forming a joint venture for operations and committing to a $100 million investment over five years to modernize facilities and boost capacity.[41] The transaction closed in June 2011, transferring majority private control to APM Terminals while retaining a minority Georgian state interest, thus completing the port's shift from full state ownership to predominantly private management.[42] APM Terminals later acquired the remaining stake, achieving full ownership in January 2020.[43] The privatization adhered to Georgia's regulatory framework under the Maritime Code of Georgia, first enacted in 1996 to govern navigation, concessions, and port operations, with key amendments in 2018 strengthening provisions for foreign investments and concession agreements to align with international standards.[44] Amid broader anti-corruption efforts post-2006 Rose Revolution, Georgia conducted sector-wide audits, including reviews of port governance in 2012 to ensure transparency in privatization deals like Poti's.[45]Current Structure and Operators
The Poti Sea Port is fully owned by APM Terminals Poti Ltd., a subsidiary of APM Terminals B.V., which has held 100% equity since January 2020 as part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group.[43][46][47] The Georgian government maintains regulatory oversight through the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and the Maritime Transport Agency, ensuring compliance with national maritime laws and environmental standards.[48] Management of the port is led by Managing Director Christian Roeder, an international executive with prior experience at DP World, who assumed the role in June 2024 and continues to oversee operations into 2025.[49] The board comprises executives from the Maersk Group, focusing on strategic expansion and efficiency improvements. Day-to-day operations involve seven terminal operators handling specialized berths, including APM Terminals for containers, Channel Energy for liquids, Transford LLC and MetalexTrans LLC for general cargo, B&P LLC for bulk, and UCG Trans Ltd. for multipurpose activities.[50] Governance follows international financial reporting standards with annual audits conducted under IFRS to ensure transparency and accountability. The port employs a workforce engaged in stevedoring, logistics, and maintenance, supported by union representation for labor rights. Safety management aligns with global benchmarks, including ISO 45001 certification for occupational health and safety at key facilities like the oil terminals.[51] In 2025, the Tbilisi Intermodal Hub, operated by AD Ports Group, was launched as a key facility linking via rail to Poti and facilitating Middle Corridor trade flows from Central Asia, enhancing regional connectivity.[52] This structure builds on the privatization process that enabled full private operation while preserving state regulatory roles.[46]Operations and Infrastructure
Facilities and Berths
The Poti Sea Port possesses a comprehensive array of berths designed to accommodate diverse cargo operations. The port features 15 berths with a total quay length of 2,900 meters, enabling simultaneous handling of multiple vessel types.[2][50] Among these, two berths are dedicated to oil and chemical tankers, while five are allocated for bulk cargo, supporting efficient discharge and loading processes.[50] Container operations primarily utilize specialized berths (#7 and #14) with depths of 8.2 to 8.5 meters, accommodating vessels up to approximately 3,000-4,000 TEU currently; planned expansions will provide access to depths of up to 13.5 meters, allowing vessels up to 9,000 TEU to berth safely.[2][50] General cargo and Ro-Ro berths complement the layout, with varying depths ranging from 7.1 to 10 meters across the cargo piers and oil terminals.[53][54] Handling equipment at the port includes more than 20 quay cranes, which facilitate rapid cargo transfer for containers, bulk, and general goods.[2][50] The container terminal employs rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes for yard operations, alongside specialized loaders for Ro-Ro vehicles and liquid cargoes.[3] Warehouse facilities provide covered storage totaling approximately 2,000 square meters for dry cargoes, with additional open yards for bulk and container stacking.[55] These assets ensure streamlined transshipment, though specific cargo processes are adapted per type. Support infrastructure enhances operational reliability, including 17 kilometers of rail track integrated with Georgia's national railway network for inland connectivity.[2] The port maintains a medium-sized dry dock for vessel maintenance and offers bunkering services for refueling.[54] A dedicated customs zone with inspection buildings and security facilities streamlines clearance procedures.[56] Power supply is provided through the national grid, supplemented by backup systems to mitigate outages during peak operations.[57] In recent developments, the port completed the reconstruction of its 1,850-meter-long main breakwater in 2023, strengthening coastal defenses and enabling safer berth access amid Black Sea conditions.[58] This upgrade, part of broader infrastructure enhancements, supports ongoing quay improvements without disrupting current berth capacities.Cargo Types and Handling
The Poti Sea Port processes a diverse array of cargo types, with containers as the dominant share of the total volume handled—as of 2015, approximately 70%—primarily through dedicated terminals equipped for high-efficiency operations. Dry bulk cargo, including manganese ore from regional deposits and grain, comprised about 15% as of 2015 and remains a key export commodity for the port. Liquid cargo such as oil products represented around 10%, while Ro-Ro shipments, mainly vehicles, made up 4%, and general cargo the remaining 2%. Recent growth in 2025 indicates increasing volumes in general cargo (up 40% year-over-year to 191,561 tons in the first eight months) and ferry operations (up 20% to 113,060 tons).[59][31][50][60] Container handling involves automated stacking systems, where quay cranes with spreaders and rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes lift and position units vertically using twist locks for secure transfer to storage yards or intermodal facilities. Dry bulk materials like manganese and grain are unloaded using mobile wheel-mounted cranes equipped with clamshell grabs (typically 3.0-3.5 m³ capacity) and transported via conveyor belts to covered storage areas, with dust suppression measures such as water sprays to minimize environmental impact. Ro-Ro cargo, particularly vehicles, is managed through dedicated ramps and marshalling areas on multipurpose berths, supporting a monthly capacity of 14,000 units with lashing for secure stowage.[31][61] Specialized operations at the port include provisions for perishable goods via refrigerated facilities with reefer plugs (up to 500 connections) to ensure temperature-controlled handling and monitoring of containers. Hazardous cargo is processed under strict protocols aligned with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, involving segregated storage, licensed contractors, and compliance with conventions like MARPOL and the Basel Convention for safe disposal and transport.[31][62][50] To enhance efficiency, the port achieves an average vessel turnaround time of 24 hours for containers through optimized workflows, including phytosanitary inspections, on-dock weighing, and digital tracking via platforms like TradeLens. Intermodal connectivity facilitates seamless shifts of cargo to rail and truck networks, with block train services linking the port to inland hubs like Tbilisi Dry Port for rapid distribution across Georgia and neighboring regions.[59][50][61]Capacity and Connectivity
The Poti Sea Port currently maintains an annual container handling capacity exceeding 500,000 TEU, with ongoing expansion projects set to double this figure to over 1 million TEU by 2026.[2] The port handles millions of tons of cargo annually, encompassing bulk, general, and containerized goods, supported by facilities designed for efficient multimodal operations.[2] Vessel accommodation includes a maximum draft of up to 10.3 meters at berths and length overall (LOA) up to 250 meters currently, with expansions planned for 13.5 meters draft and 300 meters LOA to enable access for larger modern container ships and bulk carriers.[50][63] Poti's connectivity is enhanced through direct rail links to major regional hubs, including a line via Tbilisi to Baku, facilitating seamless integration with Azerbaijan's transport network as part of the broader South Caucasus rail system.[64] Road connections extend to neighboring Armenia, providing overland access for landlocked cargo flows and supporting trade between the Caucasus states.[65] The port operates as a key node in the TRACECA corridor, linking Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia through coordinated maritime and inland routes.[2] Ferry services further bolster connectivity, with regular lines to Black Sea ports including Varna and Burgas in Bulgaria, Chornomorsk (formerly Ilyichevsk) in Ukraine, Constanța in Romania, Novorossiysk in Russia, and Rize in Turkey, combining rail, road, and passenger transport.[66] These services handle weekly passenger ferries, accommodating up to several hundred travelers per voyage alongside Ro-Ro cargo.[67] Bottlenecks related to rail gauge differences in the extended Middle Corridor have been addressed through transshipment facilities at border points, improving overall flow efficiency for containerized goods originating from or destined beyond the South Caucasus.[68]Economic and Strategic Role
Impact on Georgia's Economy
The Poti Sea Port serves as a vital engine for Georgia's economy through its role in trade facilitation and logistics. The port generates annual revenue from cargo handling fees and related services, while handling 64% of the country's seaport cargo volume as of 2023, including containers, bulk goods, and vehicles.[69][2] This dominance in maritime throughput underscores its centrality to Georgia's export-oriented growth, particularly in non-oil sectors. In 2023, the port's operator reported revenue of GEL 226 million (approximately $83 million USD).[70] The port supports direct jobs in operations, maintenance, and administration, alongside indirect employment in logistics, transportation, and supply chain activities across the country. The port's activities contribute to fiscal revenues paid to the Georgian government, with JSC Georgian Railway (including port-related operations) paying GEL 52.6 million in taxes as of 2023.[69] It facilitates a significant share of national exports in key commodities such as minerals, enabling producers to access international markets via efficient Black Sea routes and supporting mining industries that employ thousands nationwide.[69] Locally, the port provides a substantial economic boost to Poti city, home to around 50,000 residents, by driving commerce, services, and ancillary businesses.[71] Passenger ferries operating from the port further stimulate tourism, attracting visitors for regional travel and contributing to hospitality and retail growth in the area.[2]Regional Trade Significance
The Poti Sea Port functions as a pivotal hub in the Middle Corridor, formally known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), which links China and Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Georgia while circumventing Russian territory. This multimodal corridor has gained prominence for enabling efficient overland and maritime connectivity amid shifting Eurasian logistics dynamics. In 2025, cargo volumes along the TITR reached 2.3 million tons in the first half of the year, reflecting sustained expansion driven by containerized shipments from China destined for the European Union. Poti recorded a 16% increase in container throughput to 481,473 TEUs in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the prior year, underscoring the port's role in facilitating this transcontinental flow.[4] Poti's trade partnerships emphasize its position as a gateway for regional commodities, with exports directed predominantly toward Turkey and the European Union, which together represent a major share of Georgia's outbound shipments including metals, minerals, and processed goods. Imports, comprising around 40% from Asian origins such as China, Japan, and South Korea, primarily involve vehicles, electronics, and machinery, bolstering the port's transshipment function. The facility also serves as a critical facilitator for Azerbaijani crude oil and petroleum products, handled via its liquid bulk terminals, as well as Kazakh grain exports through the dedicated Poti Grain Terminal, which supports reverse-type storage and loading for Black Sea onward transport. In the geopolitical landscape, Poti has emerged as a viable alternative to Russian-dominated ports following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which disrupted traditional Northern Corridor routes and prompted Western sanctions that accelerated diversification efforts. This shift has positioned the Middle Corridor as a strategic asset for non-Russian Eurasian trade, with Poti enabling rerouted flows of energy and agricultural products. The European Union has supported this development through its Global Gateway initiative, pledging €10 billion in 2024 to enhance infrastructure efficiency along the route, including grants for sustainable connectivity projects linked to Poti such as rail and port upgrades aimed at establishing green shipping corridors.[72] Looking ahead, Poti's integration with China's Belt and Road Initiative is expected to amplify its capacity within the Middle Corridor, with projections indicating the route could handle up to 11 million tons of annual cargo by 2030 through targeted investments in multimodal infrastructure.[73] This outlook aligns with broader efforts to triple current volumes, positioning Poti as a linchpin for resilient, diversified trade networks between Asia and Europe. In October 2025, Poti handled 532,908 TEUs year-to-date, a 17% increase from 2024.[5]Recent Developments
Expansion Projects
In 2025, the Poti Sea Port saw the completion and launch of the Poti TransTerminal, a multimodal container terminal developed as a joint venture between Kazakhstan's PTC Holding and Georgian partners, with involvement from Kazakhstan Railways. The facility officially became operational in late May 2025, following a 16-month construction period, and enhances rail-container integration for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.[74][75] The terminal features 3.3 km of railway track capable of servicing up to 120 wagons simultaneously and is equipped with two gantry cranes for efficient container handling. Its initial annual capacity stands at 80,000 TEU, with potential expansion to 200,000 TEU, and it includes storage for 4,000 TEU alongside repacking capabilities for 120,000 tons of general cargo. The project, costing $31.5 million, positions the port as a key node for Middle Corridor trade flows from Central Asia to Europe.[76][77][75] Parallel to this, APM Terminals Poti advanced its long-planned expansion initiative in 2025, aimed at transforming the port into a deeper-water facility to accommodate larger vessels. The project, proposed in early 2024 with an investment exceeding $200 million, includes constructing a 330-meter berth, a 1,500-meter breakwater, and a 6.8-hectare container yard north of the existing infrastructure, though it faced approval delays from Georgian authorities into late 2025. This development seeks to deepen the access channel and overall port infrastructure, enabling handling of post-Panamax and larger container ships, with phased implementation to boost annual throughput significantly. By mid-2025, APM Terminals also expanded its existing operations by acquiring and upgrading 5.4 hectares of land, adding 50,000 TEU to berth capacity through enhanced yard space and two new STS Post-Panamax cranes. These enhancements collectively support greater scale for regional transit, as detailed in the port's capacity profiles.[78][79][80] On the sustainability front, APM Terminals Poti initiated green energy upgrades in 2025 to align with EU emission standards and reduce environmental impact. A key effort involved a memorandum of understanding signed in August 2025 with Biodiesel Georgia to blend biodiesel into the fuel for port machinery, aiming to lower carbon emissions from operations. This initiative complements broader eco-friendly measures, such as improved energy-efficient lighting and equipment, positioning the port toward compliance with international green port guidelines.[81][82]Performance Metrics
In the first quarter of 2025, Poti Sea Port handled 146,468 TEU of containers, reflecting a 15.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.[83] This growth contributed to a robust nine-month performance, with the port processing 481,473 TEU overall, a 16% year-over-year rise driven by enhanced regional transit routes.[84] General cargo volumes reached 200,768 tons during this period, marking a 24% increase from 161,179 tons in the prior year, underscoring improved handling efficiency for non-containerized goods.[4] Container throughput trends at Poti demonstrated sustained momentum, with a 16% annual growth rate in 2025 compared to 2024's total of 545,297 TEU.[85] Ro-Ro operations saw 14,914 car containers processed in the first nine months, a 12% increase year-over-year.[84] The port's recovery from 2022 disruptions—stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war's impact on Black Sea shipping, when throughput fell to 357,857 TEU—has been notable, with volumes rebounding to 592,589 TEU in 2023 before stabilizing in 2024.[83][86] As of October 2025, the port had processed 532,908 TEU, a 17% year-over-year increase, alongside 214,095 tons of general cargo (+11%) and expanded ferry operations to 136,805 tons.[5] Efficiency metrics highlight operational resilience, with an average of approximately 15 vessel calls per week supporting consistent throughput amid regional volatility. Challenges in 2025 included weather-related interruptions, such as storm-induced delays contributing to about 5% downtime, which the port mitigated through route diversification and infrastructure upgrades from ongoing expansion projects.[87]| Metric | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 (Jan-Sep) | 2025 (Jan-Oct) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Container Throughput (TEU) | 357,857 | 592,589 | 545,297 | 481,473 (+16% YoY) | 532,908 (+17% YoY) |
| General Cargo (tons) | N/A | N/A | 161,179 (Jan-Sep) | 200,768 (+24% YoY) | 214,095 (+11% YoY) |
| Ro-Ro Car Containers (units) | N/A | N/A | ~13,318 (Jan-Sep) | 14,914 (+12% YoY) | N/A |