The Georgian Maritime Transport Agency (MTA) expresses its deep sorrow over the death of Tengiz Gadilia, former captain of Batumi Harbor and a long-time sailing captain.
Tengiz Gadilia was a distinguished professional whose life and professional path were closely related to the development of the Georgian maritime field. His many years of experience, high level of professional knowledge, and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the country’s naval history and professional legacy. He belonged to the generation that laid the foundation for institutional strengthening and human strength in the field.
The Agency pays special tribute to a person whose work had a significant impact on many professionals and future generations. His name will remain honorably in the memory of Georgian maritime society.
The Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia (MTA) expressed its condolences to the deceased’s family, relatives, colleagues, and everyone for whom Tengiz Gadilia was a professional example, colleague, and friend.
Tengiz Gadilia (1947–2026)
Tengiz Gadilia graduated from Batumi Naval Academy. After the military-naval practice in Sevastopol in 1971, the operation on Georgian navy ships began. His first job was related to the “Kazbegi” type tanker “Kirov”, which was used by experienced and authoritative captains at that time – R. Jibladze and others. Gegenava – they were in charge. It was on this ship that the young Sturman received his first professional training and became a sailor.
In 1978, Tengiz Gadilia was already in the rank of captain’s senior assistant. In subsequent years, “Anaklia” and “Zakaria Paliashvili” served on tankers. At the same time, he continued to receive an education and studied at the leading faculty of Novorossiysk Higher Marine-Engineering School.
In 1985, the board of the then Navy Ministry approved Tengiz Gadilia as the captain of long-term sailing. In different years, he was the commander of several ships, including “Aspindza”, “Alexander Korneichuk”, “General Merkviladze”, “Vasili Kikvidze”, “Tbilisi”, “Paul Gilmore”, and other naval ships. Along with his professional activities, Tengiz Gadilia supported pedagogical development and made significant contributions to maritime education and vocational training of youth. In the following years, he had business with foreign shipping companies.
In 2001, Tengiz Gadilia was awarded the Medal of Honor. In 2012-2025, Tengiz Gadilia was the captain of Batumi Harbor.
