Baku, Azerbaijan, May 16
By Elena Kosolapova – Trend:
The Batumi Sea Port LLC plans to transship over one million tons of dry cargo in 2017, a source in the port told Trend.
In 2016, the dry cargo terminal of the Batumi Sea Port LLC transshipped about 862,000 tons of cargo, according to the source.
The source said that the increase in cargo turnover will be possible due to the dredging work in the port, and it will be able to receive bulk carriers, the source added.
“When the above mentioned work is finished, the Batumi Sea Port will be able to receive and process such class of bulk carriers as Handysize,” said the source.
The Handysize class of bulk carriers consists of such classes as Supramax (50,000 to 60,000 DWT (deadweight tons)), Handymax (40,000 to 50,000 DWT), and Handy (less than 40,000 DWT).
The source in the port noted that the main part of the dredging work has been already carried out and the depth of the water area has been brought to the level of 12.5 meters. The final part of the dredging along the berths of the port will be completed in the near future, the source said.
Dredging in the Port of Batumi was last carried out 37 years ago.
The source also reminded that Batumi Sea Port LLC is a permanent participant of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and is working to increase the transportation of goods in this direction.
“The port constantly participates in business and round table meetings aimed at attracting cargoes and increasing volumes in this direction,” the source said.
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route runs through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and further to Europe through Turkey and Ukraine.