AD Ports seals 60% Tbilisi Dry Port stake

Tbilisi Dry Port is an inland terminal in Georgia, connecting the ports of Batumi and Poti to Tbilisi by rail and road. Pitched as a state-of-the-art, custom bonded intermodal logistics hub, the port is due to begin operations in October 2024.

The project has been guided by Jemal Inaishvili, founder of Inveco LLC and and chairman of the supervisory board at Tbilisi Dry Port, and was until recently an Inveco and Wilhelmsen Port Services venture. Wilhelmsen reported a 55% stake in Tbilisi Dry Port in its 2022 and 2023 annual reports. As part of the acquisition deal, AD Ports’ Noatum Logistics division will oversee management and operations at the facility. 

Strategically, AD Ports Group said the acquisition strengthens its role in connecting Asia and Europe via the Middle Trade Corridor, linking manufacturing centres in Western Asia to the consumer markets of Eastern Europe. Tbilisi Dry Port sits in the center of the Middle Corridor between the Caspian Sea and Black Sea, with direct rail links to Türkiye as well as Georgia's sea ports.

Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group said: “We recognise the growing influence of the Middle Corridor on global trade. We are fully focused on successfully operating this important logistics hub, which enhances connectivity between Western Asia and Eastern Europe, and positions AD Ports Group at the forefront of global trade.”

Related:AD Ports acquires 60% stake in Georgia’s Tbilisi Dry Port

AD Ports said the Middle Corridor is regarded as the shortest trade route between Asia and Europe, covering around 7,000 km with a journey time of 10 to 15 days, compared to the existing Northern Corridor at 10,000 km overland taking 15 to 20 days, and the Southern Ocean Route spanning 20,000 km, at 45-60 days.

The plan at Tbilisi Dry Port is to expand in three phases beginning with handling capacity of 96,500 teu in phase one with 10,000 sq m of warehousing and a car storage yard. At the end of phase three, handling capacity will reach 286,000 teu, 100,000 sq m of warehouse and a significantly expanded car storage yard. 

The port has already acquired land plots for development as needed.