The Georgian government has expanded the scope of special procurement rules available to LLC Anaklia Sea Port, allowing the company to use simplified procedures for a wider range of services related to the development of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port.
The amendments were approved under Government Decree No. 515 of November 2, adding a new category covering port infrastructure construction and design, engineering, geological and environmental studies, technical supervision, consulting, marketing and other related services.
Under the new rules, services covered by the expanded category may only be procured from non-resident individuals or companies. For contracts exceeding GEL 50,000, direct procurement is permitted only for services listed under categories No. 34 and No. 35. The rules also allow alternative supplier selection procedures, including email price requests and direct negotiations. Advance payments exceeding EUR 50,000 require a corresponding bank or contractual guarantee.
The changes support the government's revised development strategy, under which Anaklia Port will be built under the Landlord Port Model. The state will finance and construct the core port infrastructure, while private companies will develop and operate individual terminals under long-term lease agreements. Separate operators will be selected for the container terminal and the bulk and general cargo terminal.
In early October, the Anaklia Deep Sea Port Development Agency hired two international consulting firms to assist with the selection process. Dutch company Maritime & Transport Business Solutions B.V. (MTBS) received a $116,300 contract for commercial and financial advisory services, while Port and Corridor Solutions (PCR) was awarded a EUR 100,300 contract for technical consulting. Their responsibilities include preparing tender documents and assessing potential operators' financial and technical qualifications. The deadline for completing the work is December 24, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Economy, private companies are expected to invest approximately $350 million-$400 million in terminal infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the government continues developing the port's core infrastructure. The initial 2027 budget draft allocates GEL 155 million to the project, including GEL 125 million for port infrastructure, the breakwater and seabed deepening, and GEL 30 million for the access road.
Maritime construction is being carried out by Belgian company Jan De Nul under a contract signed in August 2024. Initially valued at $204 million, the contract was revised to $153 million in spring 2026.
The project also requires an 18-kilometer road and railway connection. The road is valued at GEL 442 million and is scheduled for completion in 2030. Georgian Railway has also announced a $200 million tender to select a contractor for the railway project.
