Mario Escobar, Business Development Manager of APM Terminals, provided an update on the company’s activities in Georgia. Globally, APM Terminals operates in 35 countries with 62 marine terminals, and is expanding with three new projects, bringing the total number of terminals to 65. Although Poti is one of the existing terminals, the company has expansion plans in Georgia.
In Poti, the company’s expansion and growth plans have shifted towards markets outside the Caspian Sea, especially in Central Asia and the Far East. Although APM operates a port with a 168-year-old infrastructure, they have implemented modernization and improved processes to handle growing cargo volumes. In 2023, the company exceeded its stated throughput of 550,000 TEU per year, handling 592,000 TEU without expanding equipment or personnel.
The success in Poti is due not only to the hard work of the employees, but also to the combined efforts of the entire Poti community, including the docks, freight forwarders, shipping lines and government agencies, Georgian Railways. As the company plans to virtually double its capacity to 950,000 TEU per annum, it is critical that it works closely with all stakeholders in the Poti market to ensure smooth operations and maximize expansion potential.
“Today I issue a call to action to all stakeholders. Collaboration is the key to a brighter future. To double the volume of supplies to Poti, we need to use cargo from the Far East and Central Asia. It is vital that Poti, both inside and outside the port, has the infrastructure and mentality to handle cargo and customer service efficiently.
Our focus is on strengthening ties with the Georgian government and railroads, engaging the entire Middle Corridor community, and empowering the local community. The transformation of Poti’s warehouses into modern logistics centers is essential to handle increased cargo volumes and ensure the overall success of the port,” said Mario Escobar.
Achieving company goals requires cooperation between all parties. In addition, it aims to become a green port worldwide, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. APM Poti terminals will switch to electrified cranes by 2035, significantly reducing environmental impact while improving operational efficiency.
Poti’s impact on achieving the 75% carbon reduction target has not yet been quantified, but the terminal is an integral part of this project. Although Poti is one of many terminals, it stands out for its significant clean energy resources in Georgia. By 2040, the company’s goal is complete decarbonization of all activities.
“In addition, we are exploring automation opportunities to improve safety, productivity and efficiency. These achievements pave the way for expansion, as evidenced by our terminal’s ample space to accommodate up to one million TEU. Expansion is not just an opportunity; this is a commitment we are committed to fulfilling, conditioned on the shared success of the entire corridor. Without this cooperation, our efforts would be in vain, which underlines the critical importance of synergies within the region,” Mario Escobar concluded his speech.