Business

Construction of Anaklia Deep Sea Port moves forward

The consortium behind Anaklia Deep Sea Port on Georgia’s Black Sea coast has signed a memorandum with Kerry Globalink, part of Kerry Logistics, to build a third box port in Georgia. Kerry Globalink will provide its expertise to develop a port and SEZ infrastructure. Moreover, the company will introduce Anaklia’s project to its partners and members of its network.

Kerry Logistics Managing Director China and North Asia Edwardo Erni said that his company had a proven track record in the Georgian market, and that it was committed to devising innovative solutions to facilitate Anaklia Port becoming a thriving logistics hub for the region, integrating sea, rail, and sea-road services.

Keti Bochorishvili, CEO of Anaklia Deep Sea Port, told Emerging Europe that the deal with Kerry Globalink was just one of a number the company was working on, and that Anaklia has ties with over 120 foreign companies across Europe, Asia and the Gulf, all with different logistics and industrial interests.

“Talks are underway with a number of giant e-commerce companies,” she said. “At meetings with partners we are promoting the economic potential of Anaklia city, the economic zone and, in broader terms we are promoting Georgia as an attractive business and investment destination. Our intention is to develop the Anaklia as a frontier hub for logistics, financial, industrial and business activities at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.”

Anaklia has also signed a contract with Dutch concern Van Oord, one of the biggest marine companies in the world. Ms Bochorishvili explained that the Dutch company had been chosen after taking a number of offers into consideration. According to her, Van Oord had the best technical and commercial offer.

Construction of Anaklia Deep Sea Port commenced in December 2017. Since then work has included the removal of topsoil from 110 hectares of port area, construction of a new water channel with a length of 2.5 km, and removal of all debris and cleaning of the entire area. An archaeological study and eradication of aquatic tetrapods has also been performed, to prepare the basin for dredging works. Anaklia Deep Sea Port is planned to go into commercial operation in December 2020.