Georgian ports need to improve their services and logistical connectivity, in order to maintain the country’s position as a key transit corridor for the Caucasus, noted Jacob Gulmann, ICTSI Europe, Middle East and Africa Business Development Director. This message was expressed during his presentation at the 6th Black Sea Ports Conference and Exhibit, held from 18 to 19 May, at the Sheraton Batumi Hotel in Adjara, Georgia.
According to Mr. Gulman, Georgia’s role as a logistics corridor to the Caucasus and Central Asia region is facing a growing threat from the ports in Iran and West Asia.
“The emergence of Iran and other West Asian ports prompted [BICT] to take action and expand for us to be able to compete and be at par with the best ports in the world. We fully support the Georgian government’s initiatives to ensure that the country’s ports remain globally competitive,” said Mr. Gulmann.
Since 2014, Georgian ports have experienced a decline in container throughput due to economic weakness and the re-emergence of Iran. In order to rebuild volume, Georgian ports would have to improve their services and connectivity to the hinterland.
With its current annual capacity sitting at 150,000 TEUs, BICT looks to increase its annual capacity to 200,000 TEUs; add another 100 metric-ton capacity mobile harbor crane; double the number of reach stackers to eight; increase its empty handlers to four; and deepen its controlling depth to 12 meters.
In addition, more than 800 kilometers of road network and rail construction projects, estimated at around USD 3.5 billion, are currently in place in Georgia.
“With these road construction projects and terminal equipment acquisitions, we feel it can help us serve our clients better and be able to grow and expand our business in Georgia,” added Mr. Gulmann.
