Tbilisi (GBC) - The winner of the international tender for the construction works of the marine infrastructure of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port has been announced.

The large Belgian company Jan De Nul, one of the “Big Four” in the dredging industry, was selected, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development reported.

After negotiations, Jan De Nul, one of the largest European companies in the world, will undertake the deepening of the harbour’s water area and the construction of a breakwater.

“The tender commission, which included international consultants, chose Jan De Nul as the best among the three participating companies, all of which are European and possess an excellent global reputation. These companies control 80% of the world’s dredging fleet.

Jan De Nul, founded in 1938, has a turnover of EUR 2.5 billion and employs over 7,000 people. The company has been actively involved in major projects such as the Panama Canal expansion and has carried out or is currently undertaking projects in various regions, including Europe, the Gulf, and Africa.

The Anaklia Deep Sea Port is a strategic project for Georgia, intended to connect the transport systems of Europe and Asia and serve the cargo flow in the Middle Corridor, the shortest and safest route between the West and the East.

The port aims to significantly boost Georgia’s economy, attract international investments, and create thousands of new jobs. It is expected to enhance the competitiveness of not only Georgia but also other countries along the Middle Corridor.

The first ships are expected to arrive at Anaklia Deep Sea Port in 2029, which will boost the cargo flow through Georgia’s transport and logistics infrastructure.

The capacity of the port’s first phase will be 600,000 containers per year, with an indicative value of 600 million USD,” the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development stated.