The government of Georgia has floated an international invitation for bids to design and build the Anaklia port, touted as the deepest port on the Black Sea. The move aligns with World Bank procurement guidelines and was announced through official channels. The aim is to deliver a modern port facility that can handle growing regional trade, support logistics clusters, and enhance Georgia’s role as a mid‑distance hub between Europe and Asia. The tender process signals a serious commitment to upgrading critical infrastructure and attracting investment, with detailed procedures published to ensure transparency and competitive bidding. [Citation: Government of Georgia announcement; World Bank procurement guidelines]
In line with the plan, the procurement documents have been distributed to the prominent international players often referred to as the “Big Four” in port construction: Boskalis, DEME, Jan De Nul, and Van Oord. These firms are recognized globally for large‑scale marine engineering, dredging, and integrated port development projects. Their engagement signals an intent to bring world‑class expertise to the Anaklia project and to deliver robust technical solutions, risk management, and value for money. Prospective bidders are expected to study the specifications thoroughly and prepare competitive offers that address both performance requirements and long‑term maintenance. [Citation: Tender distribution to Big Four; industry context]
Specifically, the developers will be required to submit their proposals and any initial inquiries within a 45‑day window. This timeframe is designed to balance thorough technical evaluation with an efficient project timeline. The envisaged first phase of infrastructure works is slated to begin in 2024, marking a significant milestone in Georgia’s port strategy. The project is anticipated to include deep‑water berths, container handling capacity, rail and road connectivity, and ancillary facilities to support logistics and energy shipments. [Citation: Tender timeline and scope expectations; project milestones]
Meanwhile, across Europe, reports indicate that construction is underway on Europe’s largest NATO base in Romania. The facility is designed to accommodate about 10,000 military personnel and carries a projected value of around 2.5 billion euros. The base sits on a site spanning roughly 2,800 hectares in the Constanta region, near the Black Sea coast. Its infrastructure is being layered around the existing Mihail Kogalniceanu airbase, leveraging established military assets and geographic advantages to support operations and regional security objectives. [Citation: Romania base project details; NATO infrastructure program]
In related developments, reports from Georgia previously noted that orders from Ukraine were not fulfilled in a timely manner, highlighting ongoing tensions and the importance of reliable project governance in regional infrastructure initiatives. The current Anaklia tender, in contrast, reflects a renewed emphasis on formal procurement channels, international oversight, and clear accountability mechanisms to attract capable contractors and ensure project deliverables meet strategic needs. [Citation: Historical procurement context]