Global instability is increasing demand for Georgia as a transit hub, while at the same time putting pressure on the country’s infrastructure, according to Sky Log Managing Partner Giorgi Zumbadze.
He said the Middle Corridor is approaching peak capacity, which is already affecting shipping times and causing longer queues. According to Zumbadze, the corridor will remain in high demand as long as sanctions on Russia remain in place. However, Georgia’s logistics infrastructure has clear limits. “Our capabilities are limited - we cannot increase cargo volumes tenfold. The Port of Poti and its terminals have their own capacity and are already operating almost at full load,” he noted.
Zumbadze also suggested that some sanctions on Russia could potentially be eased if cargo transportation from Asia to Europe becomes critically disrupted. According to him, if the crisis drags on, global supply chains may be forced to reconsider existing restrictions.
He added that the behavior of European companies will be decisive in the near future, particularly whether they begin to significantly replenish inventories. In that case, further price increases in logistics services would be inevitable. Currently, maritime freight rates have already risen by around 10–15%, although the increase is not yet critical.
Despite the challenges, Zumbadze believes the logistics sector remains mobilized and that Georgia should make the most of the favorable factors created by its geographic position, even as infrastructure pressure grows and waiting times at ports increase.
