National Environment Agency grants permit for Batumi Artificial Island despite previous safety concerns

The National Environment Agency has granted Ambassador Batumi Island LLC the necessary environmental permit for constructing an artificial island in Batumi, in the country’s west.

The agency’s head, Vasil Gedevanishvili, issued the order on Wednesday, after suspending the process on August 2 due to safety concerns raised by Terminal 1 LLC, which manages the Batumi oil terminal.

Terminal 1 had warned that chaotic construction activities could endanger ships entering the terminal. Their concerns were supported by an initial assessment from Anchor Engineering, which identified several risks, including the proximity of the island to the ship entry channel and potential damage to vessels from future terminal deepening projects.

However, the National Environment Agency determined that the issues were beyond its competence and sought the Ministry of Economy’s opinion. The Ministry concluded the planned construction and operation of the artificial island would not threaten the terminal’s infrastructure or the safe movement of ships.