EXCLUSIVE: Construction of Anaklia Port starts, spotlight on Jan De Nul

Irakli Kobakhidze, the Georgian Prime Minister, announced the commencement of construction of the Anaklia deep sea port earlier yesterday.

With an initial investment of $600 million, the port would have a capacity to handle 600,000 containers per year, and the first phase of the construction would directly employ 500 individuals.

“Jan De Nul, the winner of the tender for design and construction of the port’s marine infrastructure, started work on September 16 according to schedule. In the first phase, the plan involves deepening of the seaport’s water area. Due to the intensive efforts put forth, we have already made significant progress,” Kobakhidze said.

“As for the process of selecting a private partner for the port project, at this stage, the details of the submitted proposal are being clarified with the Chinese-Singaporean consortium, after which a partnership agreement and a concession agreement will be signed in the near future.”

The Prime Minister concluded that the port would contribute to the country’s economic development, enhance its regional and international standing, and improve security.