Trans-Caspian intermodal
Group from Abu Dhabi investing in the southern Caucasus. AD Ports has acquired 60% of the shares in an intermodal hub in Tbilisi (Georgia). With this majority stake the Abu Dhabi-based group has expanded its position on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).
At the moment building work is still ongoing in Tbilisi. The first construction phase is expected be completed soon, however, and a new intermodal terminal is due to start operations as early as October.
The logistics hub is located at the centre of the so-called middle corridor of the new Silk Road, between the Caspian and Black Seas. Various transport and logistics facilities are connected to the terminal.
These include warehouses as well as a container station with international rail links. To the east they connect the terminal to China and beyond that to Southeast Asia; to the west they run to the Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi; and beyond that to European Black Sea ports in Bulgaria as well as in Romania.
In a first phase the gateway will operate with the capacity to handle approximately 96,000 teu and will offer a total storage area of around 10,000 m². After completion of the third and final construction phase its handling capacity will rise to 286,000 teu and its storage area to 100,000 m².
Shortest trade route
With the acquisition of this majority stake in the Tbilisi Intermodal Hub the AD Ports Group has consolidated its position along the TITR in the middle corridor. With a length of approximately 7,000 km the option is considered the shortest trade route between Asia and Europe. It runs through Central Asia and the southern Caucasus.
Overland transport runs through the middle corridor can be completed in 10-15 days today. They take 15-20 days on the 10,000 km northern corridor, which runs through Russia, and 45-60 days by sea on the 20,000 km southern route.