Historically Batumi Sea Port has always functioned as the logistic center in the Caucasus. It was the first port granting the transit country status to Georgia. The announcement of the Batumi Port as “Porto Franco” in 1878 contributed to its further development. Oil was the most decisive factor of the development. At the beginning of 20th century Batumi Port held the leading position along the Black Sea littoral according to its significance and turnover. It became an international transporting corridor in oil transfer. Since 2006 Batumi Port has been the member of “MedCruise” – the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports. It significantly promotes the development of cruise tourism in Ajara.

The Government of Ajara takes active part in various international cruise fairs and seminars, namely: Istanbul winter cruise forum “Seatrade”, international conference in Hamburg “Seatrade Europe Cruise and Rivercruise Convention“, Miami international fair „Seatrade Cruise shipping convention“ , etc. After these events the number of cruise ships entering the Batumi Port has considerably increased. At present Batumi Port hosts several big cruise ships such as “Island Sky”, “Albatros”, “Silver Wind”, “Minerva”, “Spirit of Advernture”, “Prinsendam”, “Regatta” and “Princess Daphne”. The memorandum signed with one of the big ctuise companies in the world – “Royal Caribbean” is of paramount importance for the Batumi port. A plan of reconstruction of the Batumi port will be accomplished within the frames of this memorandum including expansion of the harbor in 340 m. The new port will be able to accept sea vessels of all types and sizes.

Useful link: Batumi Sea Port