Container throughput at APM Terminals in Poti continued to grow in early 2026, demonstrating the port’s increasing role in regional logistics as geopolitical changes reshape global trade routes.
In the first quarter of 2026, the terminal processed 153,462 TEUs, a 5% year-on-year increase compared to 146,468 TEUs in the same period of 2025. The figure also reflects steady growth from 126,512 TEUs recorded in 2024.
The number of container vessels calling at the port rose to 94 ships, up from 81 in 2025 and 74 in 2024, indicating both stronger demand and expanding operational activity.
Total cargo volume reached 63,758 tonnes in the first quarter. While this represents a significant increase compared to 2024 levels (37,281 tonnes), it remains below the 82,369 tonnes handled in the same period last year.
Zviad Chkhartishvili stated that the growth in container traffic is partly driven by shifting trade routes connected to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have redirected cargo flows through Georgia’s transport corridor.
Chkhartishvili noted that container volumes grew by 17% in 2025, supported by two main factors: the reconfiguration of trade routes following the Russia-Ukraine war and a broader shift toward containerized shipping, which enhances efficiency and scalability.
These trends are expected to continue, particularly as transit cargo from Central Asia increasingly moves through Georgia. Additional growth is anticipated in the second half of 2026.
Despite strong performance, the port is operating near full capacity, highlighting the urgency of infrastructure upgrades. Delays in the development of a new port project, initially expected to be completed within two years, have added pressure on existing facilities.
APM Terminals has focused on improving operational efficiency, but industry representatives stress that long-term growth will depend on expanding capacity and modernizing infrastructure.
