Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday announced the commencement of construction of the Anaklia deep sea port in the country’s Black Sea town to ensure increased logistical capability between Asia and Europe, emphasising the project’s “greatest strategic importance”, according to Agenda.ge.

He said the port, with an initial investment of $600 million, would have a capacity to handle 600,000 containers per year, adding the first phase of the construction would directly employ 500 individuals.

The Belgian company Jan De Nul, which won the tender for the design and construction of the port’s water infrastructure, began work on September 16 as scheduled. In the first phase, the plan involves deepening the seabed of the aquarium. Due to the intensive efforts put forth, we have already made significant progress”, Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of involving the company with “extensive experience” and a “strong international reputation” in the marine construction works.

The company has fully or partially implemented several significant projects, including the expansion of the Panama Canal, the construction of the new Suez Canal in Egypt, the development of the new seaport in Nador, Morocco, the deepening of the Hamburg port, and the creation of the artificial island and beach in Dubai”, Kobakhidze said.

This impressive list highlights the company’s exceptional experience, and we are pleased to have their involvement in the development of the Anaklia port”, he added.

Additionally, the Prime Minister provided an update on the selection of a private partner for the project, mentioning discussions were ongoing with a Chinese-Singaporean consortium. He said the final details were being reviewed and partnership and concession agreements were expected to be finalised soon.

Kobakhidze said the port would contribute to the country’s economic development, enhance its regional and international standing, and improve security.

Recently, when presenting the Government programme, we announced that we aim to receive the first ship at the port in 2029. However, I believe the work will progress at a faster pace. We already have a professional contractor on board, and work is ongoing intensively and continuously. We hope to launch the new infrastructure and begin operations at the port even sooner than planned”, he said.

The Prime Minister noted the project was “important for enhancing the infrastructural improvements and competitiveness” of the Middle Corridor, a logistics route connecting Central Asia and China to Europe via the South Caucasus through Georgia.

The port will aid in the economic development of the country, elevate the regional and international importance of Georgia, and bolster our security. From both economic and political perspectives, the implementation of this project is vital”, he added.

Kobakhidze thanked professionals involved in the implementation of the project, including the Economy Minister, Jan De Nul, engineers and construction workers.