The expansion of Poti Port remains the key long-term priority, but discussions with the government on the project have not progressed, according to Zviad Chkhartishvili, head of the Poti Sea Port administration.
Speaking to BMG, Chkhartishvili said APM Terminals’ current investment in adding a new mobile port crane is only a short-term measure to handle growing cargo flows. “We have distanced ourselves from direct discussions on the Poti Port expansion project so as not to hinder our ongoing plans,” he said.
He noted that while the port has successfully managed rising cargo volumes through operational and procedural improvements in recent years, this approach cannot replace long-term infrastructure development. According to him, current communication with the government focuses on addressing short-term bottlenecks, including border crossing and customs procedures.
Meanwhile, the addition of the new crane will increase APM Terminals Poti’s annual handling capacity to 650,000 TEU. Over the past 1.5 years, the company has already expanded the port’s capacity by 100,000 TEU in response to growing cargo volumes along the Middle Corridor.
