Georgian Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC) has awarded the early dredging and reclamation works for the Phase 1 Anaklia Deep Sea Port project to Dutch marine engineering company Van Oord.
“This is a historical moment since Georgia has never witnessed marine works of this kind taking into consideration its scale and engineering solutions that are related to conduct reclamation activities,” Ronny Solberg, CEO of Anaklia Construction Management team, commented.
Van Oord will deploy the self-propelled cutter suction dredger Athena to dredge a total amount of 5 million cubic meters of sand and will also be responsible for the installation of vertical drainage.
“The construction of Anaklia Deep Sea Port is an important project that will facilitate trade between Asia and Europe. The port will encourage development within Georgia, enhance regional trade and become a logistical hub. We are proud to be involved in this project and are looking forward to starting the dredging activities,” Govert van Oord, Van Oord Area Director Europe within the business unit Dredging, said.
The Anaklia Port is planned to enter into commercial operation in December 2020. Once the construction is completed, Anaklia Deep Sea Port will be one of the largest ports in the Black Sea region with a handling capacity of up to 10,000 TEU vessels.
In October 2016, the Government of Georgia and ADC inked an investment agreement for the construction and operation of the port. Under the agreement, the country’s government grants the ADC, comprised of TBC Holding from Georgia and Conti International from the USA, the exclusive right to construct, develop and operate the Anaklia Deep Sea Port.