First 'dry port' launched in Tbilisi

The first railway container terminal in the region — the Tbilisi Dry Port — has officially started operations, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced at the opening ceremony.

"Today, we are witnessing an important event — the official opening of the Tbilisi Dry Port, the first modern railway container and cargo terminal in the region," Kobakhidze said.

The port is being developed in three phases on a 28.5-hectare site. The first phase, with an investment of $21 million, has been completed and will enable the handling of up to 100,000 containers per year. Once all phases are completed, the terminal’s annual capacity will reach 200,000 containers.

Kobakhidze highlighted the port’s strategic importance in boosting cargo flows from China and Central Asia via the Middle Corridor. He said the terminal would not only serve Georgian seaports but would also become a container hub and depot for neighboring countries.

The prime minister emphasized that the dry port offers direct access to international highways, is connected to the national railway network, and is located near the borders with Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as Tbilisi International Airport, making it one of the most efficient logistics centers in the region.

The Tbilisi Dry Port is situated on the outskirts of the capital, near the airport and the Samgori railway station. The project is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Ports Group (UAE), Norway’s Wilhelmsen Port Services, and Georgia’s Inveco LLC.

N.Tebrizli