MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Georgia’s maritime sector is getting more harmonized with the international standards.

The maritime education system has been improved and adapted to those standards. Georgia was one of the first of those 14 naval countries to respond to the call of the International Maritime Organization and to support the seafarers as representatives of the key profession and the main driving force of international navigation.

From March 1 to August 31, the state provided assistance to over 8000 sailors. The opportunity to get the experience and employment abroad was given to 4104 sailors, while 4069 returned to Georgia.

“I wish to congratulate all the representatives of the field on the World Maritime Day!

During the pandemic, the world once again realized the importance of the shipping and the people working in this field to create a sustainable future for humanity.

There are about 14 000 registered sailors in Georgia. The contribution of each sailor to the country’s economy is enormous: according to the most conservative estimates, about 500 million GEL is brought into the country’s economy annually in the form of cash, and in this respect they form an important basis for the sustainability of the Georgian economy.

According to 2019 data, Georgia is ranked 13th in terms of supply of officers  to the EU ships. Compared to 2015, in recent years we have a 40% increase in the employment of Georgian sailors on the ships sailing under the flags of the European countries,” – Natia Turnava, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development stated.

Turnava also highlighted that modern approaches, unprecedented organization and coordination allowed the Georgian ports to operate at full capacity and be fully involved in the country’s as well as the region’s supply and logistics chains.

The reforms and projects implemented during the recent years has enabled Georgia to fulfil its maritime country functions and obligations at the European level globally.