AD Ports Group Launches Tbilisi Intermodal Hub: A Strategic Gateway for Central Asian Logistics
Date: June 7, 2025
By: LG Content Team
In a significant development aimed at enhancing logistics and transportation across Central Asia, AD Ports Group has officially inaugurated the first phase of the Tbilisi Intermodal Hub, marking a pivotal moment for Georgia’s logistics infrastructure. This facility stands as the country’s inaugural modern, bonded container and intermodal terminal, fostering vital connections between the Caspian and Black seas and serving as an essential link within AD Ports Group’s broader strategy for the region.
The state-of-the-art logistics hub, which is strategically positioned to benefit from both rail and road transport, is designed to streamline trade routes between Asia and Europe. By forming a crucial segment of the “Middle Corridor,” the Tbilisi Intermodal Hub reduces transit times and enhances the efficiency of cargo transport, ultimately promoting economic growth in both Georgia and the surrounding region.
The recent inauguration ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia, and Levan Davitashvili, the First Vice Prime Minister. Ahmed Bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other high-profile diplomats such as Ahmed Ebrahim Al Nuaimi, the UAE Ambassador to Georgia, and Giorgi Janjgava, the Georgian Ambassador to the UAE, also attended the event. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, the Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Jemal Inaishvili, the Founder of Inveco, were present to mark this milestone.
AD Ports Group’s investment in the Tbilisi Intermodal Hub is significant, with the entity owning a 60% stake in the operation, while the remaining shares are jointly held by Inveco, a local Georgian investment advisory firm and the Wilhelmsen Group. This strategic collaboration underscores the importance of international partnerships in enhancing regional logistics capabilities.
The inaugural phase of the hub encompasses the Tbilisi Dry Port, which features an Inland Container Depot (ICD) designed to efficiently manage container cargo transported by both rail and truck. Since its soft launch on May 3, 2025, the facility has successfully handled its first shipment of 30 containers, each with a gross weight exceeding 26 tonnes, following their arrival via rail from MSC vessels docked at Georgia’s Black Sea Port of Batumi.
The operational capacity of the Tbilisi Intermodal Hub is poised for expansion, with initial projections indicating it will handle up to 96,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually. Plans are already in motion for a second phase of construction slated for completion by early 2026, which is expected to more than double the facility’s capacity, enabling it to manage up to 200,000 TEUs per year. This substantial increase in throughput will position the hub as a key logistics center in the region, fulfilling the growing demands of international trade.
This development aligns with Georgia’s strategic interests in enhancing its economic standing as a regional logistics hub. The country has long been recognized for its advantageous geographic position, lying at the crossroads of Europe and Asia—a factor that AD Ports Group and its partners aim to leverage fully. By investing in critical infrastructure such as the Tbilisi Intermodal Hub, the Group is not only increasing its operational footprint but also contributing to the overall economic growth and development of Georgia.
As global supply chains continue to evolve in response to emerging trends, the establishment of the Tbilisi Intermodal Hub represents a forward-thinking move that reflects the changing dynamics of trade and logistics. The increased efficiency in cargo handling facilitated by the hub will aid businesses in reducing costs and improving service delivery, solidifying Georgia’s role in international trade.
The inauguration of the Tbilisi Intermodal Hub marks a significant chapter in the ongoing journey of AD Ports Group in Central Asia. As economic ties between regions strengthen, this logistics center is set to play a crucial role in fostering growth, connectivity, and enhanced trade relationships on the international stage.
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