Batumi to get new port

During the past year, 1,100 new longshoremen were hired, increasing employment for an industry that already supports 228,000 jobs in the region.

The World Bank, the EBRD, the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank and others are supporting the improvement of transport infrastructure and facilities along the corridor whilst the EU has been promoting the conduit as part of the TRACECA corridor linking Europe to Central Asia.

Batumi, traditionally an oil outlet with a 25 metre draught limitation, will be developed in two phases. A new rail ferry bridge was built and a container terminal is being completed. A new port aims to attract lpg, ro-ro and container traffic. Total investment is estimated at $100m and will support a public-private partnership scheme involving powerful local investors.