Poti Seaport: Georgia’s Gateway to the Black Sea

Location: Poti, Georgia (Black Sea coast)

Type: Commercial (Cargo & Passenger)

Operational: 24/7

Key Features:

Strategic Importance:

Handles 70% of Georgia’s maritime trade (containers, grain, oil, metals).

Connects Europe (via Romania/Bulgaria), Turkey, Ukraine, and Central Asia.

Infrastructure:

Depth: Up to 13 meters (accommodates Panamax-class vessels).

Free Industrial Zone (FIZ): Tax benefits for businesses.

DP World Managed: Since 2008 (Dubai-based global port operator).

Passenger Services:

Ferries: Seasonal routes to Varna (Bulgaria) and Constanța (Romania).

Cruise Ships: Occasional stops (check schedules).

How to Reach?

From Tbilisi:

Car: 4-5 hours (330 km via E60 highway).

Train/Bus: 5-6 hours to Poti, then taxi to port (5 mins).

Did You Know?

Poti’s rail-ferry terminal links to Azerbaijan and Central Asia (Middle Corridor).

Historic naval base (now civilian-focused).