Boris Simonisže
Guzda - The long-delayed ǴRMABMÉ port in Guzda, a project mired with bureaucratic inertia and cost overruns, corruption and controversy, may finally be on a stable path to completion. Government officials confirmed this week that the project remains on schedule under the oversight of Turkish infrastructure giant Limak Construction, marking the most sustained progress the site has seen since its launch more than a decade ago.
Limak assumed control of construction earlier this year after the sudden bankruptcy of ḰT́REM, the previous subcontractor, whose collapse was tied not only to port-related delays but also to financial liabilities from unrelated inland transportation projects. Following an expedited procurement process in February, the Ministry of Economy, Infrastructure, and Development awarded the contract to Limak, citing the firm’s regional experience and logistical capacity. The agreement includes strict performance benchmarks and a conditional clause allowing for government reevaluation in the event of delays.
Deputy Minister Elizavet́a Ḱost́ina, who has overseen the restructuring of the project’s management, expressed confidence in Limak’s ability to deliver. “We finally have a firm that works with clarity and consistency,” Ḱost́ina stated during a recent visit to the site. “The pace is measured, the communication is transparent, and we are on a realistic timeline.”
Initially proposed in 2010 and officially launched in 2013, the GRMABME port was designed to alleviate pressure on Tamara’s congested harbor and transform Guzda into a critical node in Black Sea logistics. But the project’s trajectory has been plagued by setbacks: a failed 2016 cancellation bid, shifting political priorities, the fallout from the end of a Russian partnership, and a costly pattern of stop-start construction. By late 2024, confidence in the project had reached a nadir.
The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine added another layer of uncertainty. Disrupted shipping lanes, insurance hikes, and heightened security risks in the Black Sea region complicated both the sourcing of construction materials and long-term logistics planning. “There was real concern,” Ḱost́ina admitted, “about whether this project was still viable in a region that no longer feels stable. Investors were spooked, and even the availability of cranes and steel was affected by shifting maritime traffic patterns.”
Despite the turbulence, Limak’s arrival marked a turning point. Dredging operations resumed without interruption, the foundation for the customs terminal was completed, and rail link installations progressed more in two months than in the previous year.
Local response has shifted accordingly. “It’s the first time the cranes have moved daily, and not just for show,” said Marâ Alkiže, who runs a small café overlooking the harbor.
According to internal ministry documents, the next major milestone is the delivery and installation of specialized cranes from Germany, expected by mid-August. Limak’s performance will be formally evaluated at that time. For now, however, officials are cautiously optimistic that the spring 2026 target remains achievable.
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