Strike on Iran’s Bandar-Anzali Port Could Boost Transit Through Georgia
The Israeli Defense Forces carried out airstrikes for the first time on Iran’s Bandar-Anzali port, located on the Caspian Sea coast. The conflict zone continues to expand, increasing regional security risks. Experts predict further changes in international logistics networks, with transit through Georgia expected to grow.
What Happened in Northern Iran
On March 18, 2026, Israel attacked Iranian targets near Bandar-Anzali port on the Caspian Sea, Reuters reports. Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani stated that the Air Force struck dozens of targets, including missile boats, a corvette, a shipyard under construction and repair, and a command center. He emphasized that Iran’s naval capabilities in this location were largely neutralized.
The port is used for trade between Iran and Russia, as well as with other countries, including routes that bypass sanctions. The northern location of the operation, far from traditional conflict zones, highlights a shift in dynamics and the potential expansion of the theater of operations with implications for strategic calculations.
New Opportunities for Georgia
The Middle East conflict has already led to route adjustments. Givi Chachanidze, Commercial Director of COSCO SHIPPING LINES, reported that some shippers are using the “Middle Corridor” and Georgia as an alternative route for cargo transport.
“Based on our market research, we see that due to the conflict, certain cargoes have been redirected to Georgia,” he explained. “These may include shipments from Uzbekistan or Turkmenistan that previously went through Iran, for example, to China.”
Working with Iran has become impossible, and this situation is likely to persist due to ongoing hostilities and sanctions. Chachanidze added that shipments from Iran to Azerbaijan also ceased because of the conflict in Armenia, after which they were fully rerouted through Georgia. The country’s main task now is to retain these new customers.
“We are morally ready to handle increased cargo volumes because we want to establish Georgia once and for all on the global map as a full-fledged transit corridor,” Chachanidze emphasized, noting that previous rail infrastructure issues have been resolved. “Now it is even more important to equip a deep-water port to handle larger operations and seize new opportunities.”
Deep-Water Port in Georgia
Such projects are already under development in Georgia. APM Terminals in Poti is awaiting government approval to build a deep-water port and has launched temporary measures to expand the existing infrastructure to cope with growing cargo volumes.
Port administration head Zviad Chkhartishvili stated that the necessary studies are expected to be completed in the first half of 2026. Transformations are needed because the current terminal, built in the early 20th century, is outdated. “Georgia needs a modern hub capable of serving the Caucasus and Central Asia. For this, a new port is essential,” Chkhartishvili added.
The company’s long-term strategy remains focused on constructing a completely new terminal. However, to handle current cargo flows, additional capacity must be found within the existing infrastructure.
Conclusion
Growth in cargo volumes through the Middle Corridor could become a significant economic advantage for Georgia if competitive tariffs are combined with modern logistics capabilities. A similar trend is observed in aviation and tourism: the country is strategically located between Europe and Asia, and routes remain simple and predictable.
In 2025, Georgia recorded 7.8 million visits, up 5.9% compared to 2024, and the number of tourist trips increased by 8.4% to 5.5 million. Market geography is expanding, seasonality is less pronounced, and tourism revenue exceeded $4.69 billion, up 6% from the previous year.
Experts from International Investment note that Georgia remains a safe and attractive destination with a rapidly developing economy. Markets like this are likely to be key beneficiaries of shifting cargo flows and tourist demand, combining stability, logistical predictability, and economic efficiency.