Sea Freight Bulgaria – Georgia: Routes, Ports, Transit Times, and Key Features
The Black Sea has always been one of the key gateways linking Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Among the active transport corridors, sea freight between Bulgaria and Georgia stands out as one of the most efficient and strategically important.
This route is used by businesses across multiple sectors — construction, metallurgy, agriculture, retail, and industrial equipment — thanks to its relatively short sea leg, well-developed port infrastructure, and integration into international trade corridors.
For companies considering this option, it is important to understand the available routes, ports, delivery times, and special features. Below is a complete guide to sea freight services between Bulgaria and Georgia.
What Transport Routes Are Used?
There are several ways to organize freight transport between Bulgaria and Georgia, depending on the type of cargo and delivery requirements:
1.Direct sea route across the Black Sea
•This is the most common option.
•Containers, bulk, and general cargo are loaded in Bulgarian ports and shipped directly to Poti or Batumi in Georgia.
2.Multimodal transportation
•A combination of inland trucking or rail inside Bulgaria → sea freight → onward trucking or rail transport within Georgia.
•This is typically chosen for door-to-door delivery solutions.
3.Danube route via Romania
•Cargo can move along the Danube to the port of Constanța (Romania), then shipped by sea to Georgia.
•Less common but convenient for barge and bulk shipments.
In practice, direct short-sea shipping Varna/Burgas – Poti/Batumi remains the backbone of trade between the two countries.
Which Ports Are Used?
Bulgarian Ports
•Varna
•One of the largest Black Sea ports in Bulgaria.
•Handles containers, bulk cargo, general freight.
•Strong infrastructure for agricultural products, metals, machinery, and consumer goods.
•Burgas
•A southern Black Sea port with modern container terminals.
•Specializes in containers, oil products, grain, and steel.
•Convenient road and rail connections with inland Bulgaria.
Georgian Ports
•Poti
•The main container port of Georgia.
•Gateway for imports from Europe and exports to the Caucasus and Central Asia.
•Handles FCL and LCL containers, bulk materials, steel, construction goods.
•A versatile port handling bulk, liquid, and general cargo.
•Important transit point for shipments to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
•Suitable for project and oversized cargo.
Both Georgian ports are linked to the TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe – Caucasus – Asia) railway and road network.
What Are the Transit Times?
Transit times depend on the service type and the final delivery scheme:
•Direct sea voyage Varna/Burgas – Poti/Batumi: typically 3–5 days of sailing time.
•Door-to-door services (including inland trucking in Bulgaria and distribution in Georgia): usually 7–10 days total transit.
•Consolidated LCL shipments: may take 10–14 days, depending on consolidation schedules.
Compared to long trucking routes via Turkey, sea freight offers shorter lead times with significantly lower cost than air freight.
Key Features of the Bulgaria – Georgia Sea Freight Route
•Short sea distance: Only a few days of sailing across the Black Sea.
•Wide cargo range: Containers (FCL/LCL), bulk cargo, breakbulk, project cargo, construction materials, metals, and agricultural goods.
•Customs specifics:
•Bulgaria is an EU member → exports are handled under EU customs regulations.
•Georgia has free trade agreements with the EU and CIS countries → in many cases duties are reduced or eliminated.
•Multimodal integration: From Poti and Batumi, goods can be moved by rail or truck to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia.
•Regular feeder services: Stable schedules allow businesses to plan deliveries with confidence.
Which Countries Receive Cargo via This Route?
The Bulgaria – Georgia maritime connection is not limited to bilateral trade. It also plays a transit role in regional logistics:
•Armenia – a landlocked country that relies almost entirely on Georgian ports for imports and exports.
•Azerbaijan – accessed via Georgian railways and highways, including the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars corridor.
•Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan): goods move through Georgia and Azerbaijan to the Caspian Sea, then further by sea and rail into Central Asia.
•Eastern Turkey – Batumi port is a convenient entry point for goods heading into northeastern Turkish provinces.
This makes the Bulgaria – Georgia sea corridor an essential part of the broader Europe – Caucasus – Asia trade chain.
Our agency’s office is located in the port of Poti at the address: Alley April 9, No. 30/39, Poti, Georgia.
If you need logistics, sea freight forwarding in Poti, please call our office: +995 493 22-02-66
