Poti Port provides two new deep water berths

After the Inland Container Terminal was successfully completed in Poti Port last year, international company APM Terminals is taking the first step toward expanding the port further.

The next phase of the Poti Port expansion plan includes building two new deep water berths. This phase is projected to be completed in 2018.

When finished, the fully fitted mega-port will have an annual cargo throughput capacity of 50 million tonnes and two million TEUs (a unit of cargo capacity). 

With a water depth of up to 16 metres, the port will be able to accommodate the largest vessels sailing on the Black Sea.

"While recent World Bank economic growth forecasts for the broader Caucasus region have been reduced, APM Terminals is committed to our ongoing investment in Poti Seaport to anticipate and satisfy the future demand potential,” said APM Terminals Poti Deputy Managing Director Joseph Crowley while speaking at the 4th Annual Black Sea Ports and Shipping Conference 2015.

Crowley discussed the advantages of Poti Port as the "prominent gateway” for Black Sea, Mediterranean and Central Asian trade.

"This infrastructure investment into the port will help make future gateway volume growth possible, [which is] a major factor in Georgia’s growing presence as a global trading partner,” Crowley added.

APM Terminals purchased Poti Port, the largest port in Georgia uniting 15 berths, in April 2011.

APM Terminals has invested more than $70 million USD to upgrade the outdated port infrastructure and service facilities, including the construction of a new Customs Centre, new rail and truck facilities.