Mikheil Babunashvili, Commercial Director of E60 Shipping Lines, said that the company began operations in the summer of 2023, and the first sale took place on June 27 of the same year. The E60 takes its name from the motorway of the same name, which runs from France to Kyrgyzstan, symbolizing the wide customer base spanning countries crossed by the route, including Ukraine, Armenia and others.
Specializing in Black Sea ferry services, E60 quickly expanded its fleet, adding two ferries within 10 months of operation. Primarily servicing the transport of trucks, containers, small vehicles and oversized cargo, the company prides itself on offering the fastest crossings across the Black Sea with transit times ranging from 48 to 54 hours. With departures from Poti and Constanta, the E60 can now depart twice a week, providing a timely and consistent service.
“E60 Shipping Lines prioritizes speed above all else, aiming to establish the fastest connections between its region and Europe. With twice-weekly departures, we have seen a surge in demand, reducing wait times for customers. This efficiency extends beyond the ports, as we have helped simplify customs procedures between countries, ensuring the rapid movement of goods,” shared Mikheil Babunashvili.
Their commitment to speed is underscored by investments in infrastructure, including the construction of a highway in Georgia, complementing high-speed routes directly connected to the port of Constanta. Thanks to the joint efforts of customs and port officials, E60 has streamlined clearance procedures, minimizing delays and ensuring a smooth flow of goods.
“E60 Shipping Lines is proud to present Vilnius, a remarkable vessel listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ferry of her time, measuring an impressive 191 meters in length. With the capacity to transport around 101 trucks with trailers, Vilnius operates at almost full capacity, especially from Constanta. E60 also announced the acquisition of a new rural ferry called Aia, expanding its fleet to two vessels. The Aia, acquired in February, recently completed its maiden voyage from Constanta to Poti, offering the ability to transport not only trucks and vehicles, but also railway wagons, a significant addition to our service offerings,” said Mikheil.
Under the close supervision of the RINA Classification Society, the E60 ships are fully crewed by Georgians and fly the Georgian flag, a pioneering initiative in the maritime industry. With the unwavering support of the Georgian government, E60 proudly emphasizes its commitment to national operations, as exemplified by Aia, which is entirely owned and operated by Georgian citizens. Notably, E60 Shipping Lines received an IMO number, confirming its status as the first Georgian company to receive permission from the International Maritime Organization, marking an important milestone in the country’s maritime history.
E60 Shipping Lines reflected on its rapid growth in just 10 months of operation, attributing its success to valued partners and customer support. Looking to the future, the ROPAX ferry is scheduled to launch this coming summer to meet growing demand for passenger services. The addition will include a variety of amenities such as dining and entertainment options, matching the growing interest in using the ferry to travel around Europe.
In the cargo profile, E60 specializes in the transportation of trucks, small vehicles, containers, oversized and heavy cargo. Equipped with MAFI trailers and roll trailers, the company efficiently handles static loads and pallets, with both ferries capable of transporting rail cars. Efforts are currently being made to improve the infrastructure to facilitate the transport of railcars from Georgia to Europe, demonstrating the company’s commitment to expanding service capabilities and meeting the diverse needs of customers.
After the speech, the following question from the audience was: “Do you have any long-term plan regarding the number of ferries you want to purchase and how much will be enough to cover this demand, if at all?”
Mikheil Babunashvili replied: “As I already said, in the summer we are planning to add another ferry to our fleet, which will serve both cargo and passengers, and this is important because until recently we did not serve passengers, did not transport passengers, because we did not have a passenger corridor in Constanta. We are working on this, and I think that we have correctly assessed the requirements and wishes of our customers, and I think that this will be the third ferry that will operate on the Black Sea.”