Georgia’s government has switched to the landlord port model for the development of the Anaklia deep-sea port, Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili announced. Under this approach, the state remains the 100% owner of the port, while private companies participate only as operators of specific terminals.
The core idea of the model is a clear division of responsibilities. The state owns and manages the “landlord” assets—land, water area, breakwaters, quay walls, and core maritime infrastructure. It also finances and builds major public components, including the port’s primary infrastructure, as well as access roads and railway connections to Anaklia.
Private companies, on the other hand, do not receive ownership shares. Instead, they invest in and operate individual terminals such as container, bulk cargo, or logistics facilities. These operators typically enter long-term lease or concession agreements with the state, under which they develop, equip, and run the terminals commercially while paying fees to the port authority.
The government argues that this structure allows multiple international players to operate in the same port, rather than relying on a single strategic investor. According to officials, this will reduce project risks, increase competition, and make the port more attractive to diverse partners from China, Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and Western countries.
The model is widely used globally in major ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, Singapore, and leading US ports like New York–New Jersey and Los Angeles. In Anaklia’s case, the government says it also follows a recent feasibility review and aims to position the port as a key hub of the Middle Corridor, while keeping full strategic control in state hands.
