Construction of Anaklia Deep Sea Port's breakwater, seabed dredging progressing on schedule

The construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port is advancing according to plan, with work focused on seabed deepening and the design and construction of the breakwater within the port’s aquatory. These activities are being carried out by the state contractor - the renowned Belgian company Jan De Nul N.V., which won the international tender and submitted its proposal in the form of a joint venture. Jan De Nul N.V. is one of the world’s leading European marine infrastructure companies, with extensive experience in implementing similar large-scale projects.

Currently, mobilization works, project-related research, and detailed design are in their final stages. By October 2025, a temporary berth will be constructed, enabling the transport and placement of large rock materials and specially designed concrete cross-shaped blocks - known as X-blocks - across various sections of the breakwater during construction.

The preliminary project studies have involved geophysical, geological, and engineering surveys of the seabed in the construction area, as well as detailed simulations. Based on these studies, a base design of the breakwater was developed, which has undergone expert review and included updates to the environmental impact assessment report.

To facilitate the production of the X-blocks, a concrete batching plant and recycling unit have already been commissioned at the construction site. The facility can currently produce 240 units of 3-cubic-meter concrete X-blocks per week, or 40 units daily, which are stored in a designated area using two 25-ton gantry cranes installed on-site.

In the near future, production will also begin on 7-cubic-meter cross-shaped concrete blocks, expanding the construction capabilities for larger segments of the breakwater.

Jan De Nul N.V. has completed the design for the first 650 meters of the breakwater, and the detailed design for the remaining sections will be finalized and submitted for approval by August 10. Meanwhile, preliminary bathymetric and topographic surveys are underway ahead of breakwater construction.

To ensure precise control and monitoring of construction progress, modern GPS systems and a base rover will soon be installed, along with wave current meters and water turbidity sensors deployed at sea.

Specialized equipment mobilization is also in progress. Between September and October 2025, 120-ton and 90-ton long-reach excavators will be delivered to the site. Additionally, for constructing the breakwater foundation trench, a specialized dredger and cargo barge have been contracted and are expected to arrive in Anaklia by October.

The second phase of the project will involve full-scale construction and dredging operations. The contractor has already submitted the full project documentation to the Technical and Construction Supervision Agency for a construction permit, which was officially issued this week.

Notably, the first phase capacity of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port is projected at 600,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually, with an estimated investment value of USD 600 million.