Throughput of Black Sea port of Poti (Georgia) up 16% in 2007 to 7.7 million tonnes

In 2007, the port of Poti (Georgia) increased cargo transshipment by 16%, year-on-year, to 7.734 million tonnes, Interfax quotes Lasha Ahaladze, the port’s Director General, according to RZD-Partner. In the reported period, transshipment of containerized cargo grew by 46%, year-on-year, to 185,000 TEU. General cargo accounted for 42.6% of the port’s total throughput, loose dry cargo - 39%, liquid cargo – 18.4%. In 2007, the port handled 2,062 vessels (+105 vessels, year-on-year). As it was earlier reported, an international competition has been announced for the right to lease the port and its adjacent territories in order to create Free Industrial Zone (400 Ha) for 49 years. The winner is to be named in February 2008. Growing cargo turnover between European and Asian countries provides Poti Sea Port with potential to expand its capacity and handle up to 25 million tons of cargo annually.