Active construction is currently underway at the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, and anyone can visit the site to see the progress, said on Monday Georgian Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili, adding that the port is expected to receive its first vessel in 2029.

In her remarks at a briefing, Kvrivishvili noted that the Government is strictly adhering to the project’s implementation schedule despite continued criticism and speculation surrounding the development.

“Despite the numerous speculations we continue to hear about this project, the development and construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port is now in an active phase. The state is carrying out dredging works and constructing the breakwater infrastructure, which is fundamental for any port. This process has already begun. Regardless of what our opponents say, anyone can visit the site and see that active construction is underway at the Anaklia Deep Sea Port. Our team has also been working for several months on updating and modifying the master plan, which will include changes to the project's model and the overall structure of the port's operations”, she said.

The Minister also announced that the Government had decided to revise the capacity planned for the first phase of the project, citing the sharp increase in cargo volumes along the Middle Corridor.

Kvrivishvili added that Georgia now has the capacity to handle significantly larger volumes of cargo during the initial phase than originally envisaged.

“Cargo traffic along the Middle Corridor has increased substantially. As a result, our initial plan now envisages a significant increase in the handling of dry bulk cargo, general cargo, and containers. Together with our partners, we will continue consultations on the container component to assess the port's future capacity requirements based on cargo growth trends. As for the operational model, it is the most nationally oriented model while also being one of the most widely tested and successful internationally. Under this model, the Georgian state will remain the owner of the port. It will be a Georgian port”, she said. 

“International partners will not participate through equity ownership but through the operation of port infrastructure, specifically terminal facilities. In 2029, we will welcome the first vessel to the Anaklia Deep Sea Port”, the Minister concluded.