In Georgia, APM Terminals Poti and Poti New Terminals Consortium have submitted a conceptual design for a first stage construction permit for the expansion of the Poti Sea Port.
The plans were received by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia., said a release from international container terminal operating company headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.
“After high-level and in-depth negotiations with authorities, cargo owners, equity partners and financial institutions we concluded that Poti will continue as the prime access to the Caucasus and the Central Asian markets. We believe that we have the skills, ability and expertise to contribute to the economy of Georgia by persisting in our journey to further develop the Poti Sea Port,” says Klaus Laursen, Managing Director of APM Terminals Poti.
The project plan entails a 14.5-meter water depth at the 700-meter quay wall and 25 hectares of dedicated land for the bulk operation for yard and covered storage facilities for various cargo types, including grain, ore, and minerals.
“The new bulk port will handle cargo lots up to 60,000 tons/vessel creating new cost-effective opportunities for cargo owners in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia and other central Asian countries,” said Klaus Laursen.
The Poti Sea Port is currently the largest port in Georgia, handling liquids, dry bulk, passenger ferries and 80% of Georgia’s container traffic. The current multi-purpose facility has 15 berths, a total quay length of 2,900 meters, more than 20 quay cranes and 17 km of rail track.
"Poti Sea Port, owned and managed by APM Terminals, has a well-established market position. Based on the existing infrastructure in and around Poti it offers a strong platform for continued growth. With the introduction of modern technology, we are confident that Poti will remain the most effective and efficient logistical solution for our existing and future customers,” adds Klaus Laursen.
The project will directly create an estimated 250 new jobs for the local population and over 900 employment opportunities in related industries and services, not including temporary jobs during the construction phase.
The new facilities in Poti will support the growth of international trade through the Georgian transit corridor, greatly contributing to the country’s economy.