AD Ports Acquires 60% Stake in Tbilisi Dry Port

AD Ports Group has completed the acquisition of the soon-to-be-opened Tbilisi Dry Port in Georgia, as the Abu Dhabi-based company seeks to strengthen its role in the Middle Trade Corridor linking Asia and Europe.

The deal sees AD Ports becoming the majority owner with a 60% stake in the inland logistics hub, which links the Georgian ports of Batumi and Poti to Tbilisi by rail. The facility also has direct westward railway links to Türkiye, further connecting Black Sea ports in Bulgaria and Romania.

The port, slated to start operations in October, will integrate multiple facilities including a container freight station, warehouses and a car storage park.

The Middle Corridor is billed as the shortest trade route between Asia and Europe. The multimodal land and sea passage stretches some 7,000 kilometers, connecting manufacturing centres in Western Asia to consumer markets in Eastern Europe by leveraging a network of sea and dry ports across Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Türkiye.

“The agreement highlights AD Ports Group’s unwavering commitment towards strengthening global supply chains, and we recognize the growing influence of the Middle Corridor on global trade,” said Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group. “We are fully focused on successfully operating this important logistics hub, which enhances connectivity between Western Asia and Eastern Europe, and positions AD Ports Group at the forefront of global trade.”

In related news, Noatum, part of AD Ports, has acquired a majority stake in Safina, a leading provider of maritime and cargo services in Egypt and across the Middle East region.

The acquisition by Noatum Maritime is expected to close in Q3 2024 and represents a “significant milestone” in the business unit’s strategic growth. Other recent deals have included the launch of new offices in Türkiye.

Safina, slated for rebranding as Noatum Maritime Egypt, boasts six locations in Egypt including Cairo and offers comprehensive agency services and maritime logistics to shippers serving the metals, minerals and fertilizer sectors.

“Welcoming Safina into the Noatum Maritime family aligns perfectly with our vision for growth,” said Terry Gidlow, CEO of Noatum Maritime. “The move enhances our presence in key markets and enables us to strengthen our service offering across Egypt, the Middle East and North Africa, providing for greater flexibility and opportunities to meet our customers’ needs.”

Noatum is divided into three core business units: Noatum Maritime, Noatum Logistics and Noatum Terminals. The company was acquired by AD Ports Group in 2023.


AD Ports and Noatum are regular exhibitors at Breakbulk events. The next event in the calendar is Breakbulk Americas 2024, taking place on 15-17 October at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston. 

TOP PHOTO: An AD Ports offshore support vessel. CREDIT: AD Ports
SECOND: A Noatum worker, Türkiye. CREDIT: Noatum