Deputy Economy Minister: Works at Anaklia Port proceed strictly on schedule; harbour to welcome first vessel in 2029

“The overall development and operational launch of Anaklia Deep Sea Port is of paramount importance for our country, as well as for the wider region and the Middle Corridor,” stated Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Tamar Ioseliani.

According to the Deputy Minister, the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project represents one of the most critical strategic initiatives being developed by the Government of Georgia.

“The Government of Georgia possesses a coherent and consistent vision and plan for the development of the national transport system, aimed at bolstering Georgia’s role within international transport and logistics networks,” noted the Deputy Minister.

Furthermore, Tamar Ioseliani cited a World Bank study projecting a doubling of freight turnover by 2030, highlighting that Georgia is positioning itself to serve as a reliable and efficient partner in the region.

“These works are being executed in strict accordance with the schedule, and we will ensure that the Anaklia Sea Port welcomes its first vessel in 2029,” the Deputy Minister declared.

For context, the Tristao Da Cunha, a vessel belonging to the Belgian Jan De Nul Group, one of the sector’s ‘Big Four’, has commenced seabed dredging for the breakwater trench. The vessel will dredge the seabed to a depth of 3 metres along a section approximately one kilometre long at the base of the breakwater. According to preliminary estimates, these works will take around one month.

Onshore operations are likewise progressing without interruption. Construction, using rock and gravel fill, is underway on the 150-metre initial section of the breakwater core. Heavy marine and construction equipment is operating on site, placing specialised concrete blocks and boulders. Concurrently, geodetic and environmental survey data are being gathered using state-of-the-art underwater systems and airborne LiDAR drones.

By the end of August this year, an even larger dredger from the Jan De Nul Group, the Al Idrisi, is scheduled to arrive in the Anaklia maritime area. Under the plan, the combined operations of both vessels will deepen the harbour basin to 17.5 metres and construct a 1,376-metre breakwater. A depth of 17.5 metres will enable the port to accommodate the highest-capacity container ships operating in the Black Sea.