APM Terminals Poti charts future expansion plan

APM Terminals Poti has completed a comprehensive engineering study to prepare the port master plan for the future needs of Georgia and the hinterland countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The study was triggered by the rapid increase of container throughput which will exceed port capacity by 2017. In 2013, total container throughput in Georgia was 405,000 TEU of which Poti handled 82%. The present capacity of Poti seaport is 600,000 TEU.

“Larger vessels are entering the trades, reshaping markets and challenging port infrastructure. We believe the ability to attract larger vessels to our port through a deeper water depth and easier entrance channel will lower transportation costs for importers and exporters while improving the flexibility of Georgia and Central Asia supply chains. As the operator of Georgia’s largest and most important port, we want to ensure our future infrastructure plans reflect the best engineering and economic scenarios for the market”, commented Steen Davidsen, Managing Director, APM Terminals Poti.

“Poti has an ideal port location and we look forward to working with the Georgian government to ensure the country’s flagship port is constantly improving the economy and attracting future investment. As a global port operator, we have the expertise to execute port upgrades quickly to launch a new era of Georgian port infrastructure suited to the future generation of ships,” added Mr. Davidsen.

Source : dailyshippingtimes.com