The Role of the Maritime Transport Logistics System of Georgia in Ensuring the Stability of the Global Supply Chain
摘要
In an era marked by increasing international trade and economic interdependence, the stability of the global supply chain has become critical. Recent disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, underscore the urgent need for resilient trade systems. This study aims to evaluate the role of Georgia's maritime transport logistics in ensuring the stability and resilience of the global supply chain, with a particular focus on the strategic significance of the Transcaucasian ‘Middle Corridor.‘ By assessing the current utilization and potential of Georgia's key ports, this research highlights the critical need for optimizing these assets to bolster global trade networks, especially during periods of disruption. Our analysis reveals significant underutilization of key Georgian ports, such as Batumi and Poti, where cargo turnovers fall far short of capacity. For instance, Batumi's oil terminal, designed for 15 million tons annually, handled only 2 million tons in 2022—just 13% of its capacity. This underperformance indicates systemic inefficiencies within Georgia's maritime sector. The ‘Middle Corridor’ presents a crucial alternative for diversifying and stabilizing the global supply chain. Enhancing the throughput and efficiency of Georgia's ports could solidify the country’s role in global trade and provide a strategic buffer during supply chain disruptions. We propose forming transport clusters to optimize maritime logistics. Our findings emphasize the strategic importance of developing underutilized maritime corridors, with the goal of spurring policy reforms and leveraging Georgia's logistics capabilities as a cornerstone for global supply chain stability.