AP Moller (APM) Terminals Poti has presented its plans for the creation of a deep-water port to the Government of Georgia. The plans require an investment of over US$250 million of private capital for phase 1 and a substantial amount for phase 2 in an extensive development of the port infrastructure and superstructure.
“This investment in the strategically important port of Poti is a proof of our commitment and belief in Georgia and the development of a transport corridor that stretches into Central Asia,” explains Keld Christensen, Managing Director of APM Terminals Poti.
“The expansion project – the cost of which is negligible to the average Georgian taxpayer – will lead to a significant economic advancement for the country and region. It will create more than a thousand jobs and business opportunities in and around the port,” Christensen added.
The expansion plan for Poti Sea Port consists of two stages of construction and development. In the first stage a breakwater of 1,700m and a 400m multipurpose quay with 13.5m depth able to handle dry bulk cargo and an incremental 150,000 TEU will be developed. This berth will be able to accommodate container vessels of up to 9,000 TEU.
Doubling of annual capacity
The second stage will include a 300m container quay equipped with 3 state-of-the-art ship-to-shore cranes. It will double the annual container capacity at Poti Sea Port to over 1 million TEU.
APM Terminals says the timeline for construction is estimated at 24-30 months. According to the planning the first stage would be completed by the second quarter of 2022.
