AD Ports completes acquisition of Tbilisi Dry Port, owns 60% stake

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Global trade, logistics, and industry facilitator AD Ports Group has completed its acquisition of the Tbilisi Dry Port, becoming the majority stakeholder with a 60 per cent ownership stake.

This strategic move enhances the group’s role in the Middle Trade Corridor, a vital connection between Asia and Europe.

The state-of-the-art, rail-linked, and custom-bonded intermodal logistics hub in Georgia is scheduled to begin operations in October.

The Tbilisi Dry Port will play a crucial role in linking manufacturing centres in Western Asia with consumer markets in Eastern Europe, leveraging a network of sea and dry ports across Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Türkiye.

Strengthening the global supply chain

Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, regional CEO of AD Ports Group. “This agreement underscores AD Ports Group’s unwavering commitment to strengthening global supply chains. We recognise the growing influence of the Middle Corridor on global trade and 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.”

The new logistics hub is strategically located between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, at the heart of the Middle Corridor. It integrates multiple facilities, including a container freight station, warehouses, and a car storage park, serving as a critical point of entry, exit, and regional transit for manufacturers, shippers, and consignees.

The project boasts direct railway links to Türkiye and the Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi, further connecting to European Black Sea ports in Bulgaria and Romania.

Tbilisi Dry Port development in three phases

The development will be executed in three phases. The initial phase is expected to achieve a handling capacity of 96,500 TEUs, along with 10,000 square metres of warehouse space and a car storage yard.

Upon completion of the third phase, the project will have a handling capacity of 286,000 TEUs, 100,000 square metres of warehouse space, and a significantly expanded car storage yard. Additional land plots have been secured for future development as needed.

The Middle Corridor is considered the shortest trade route between Asia and Europe, covering approximately 7,000 kilometres with a transit time of 10 to 15 days.

In comparison, the Northern Corridor spans about 10,000 kilometres overland, requiring 15 to 20 days, while the Southern Ocean Route stretches approximately 20,000 kilometres, necessitating a sea voyage of 45 to 60 days. The Middle Corridor is anticipated to see substantial growth in container volumes, potentially reaching 1.9 million TEUs by 2040.