On October 4, 2023, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, met with the de facto leader of occupied Abkhazia, Aslan Bzhania, in Sochi. Following the meeting, the Russian news portal Izvestia published an interview with Bzhania that shed light on various issues supposedly discussed during the meeting with Putin. One of the most controversial announcements was the confirmation of plans to establish a permanent Russian naval base in Ochamchire. The base is set to be located at an existing port, which has been used by the Russian military since 2009.
Location of the Port of Ochamchire
The port of Ochamchire is located to the northwest of the city, in an artificial bay nestled between the Mokva and Dzhukmuri rivers. The port is currently capable of accommodating up to ten patrol vessels, including coast guard boats (the port stations up to 10 coast guard ships/boats of the Sobol and Mangust classes). In April 2009, Russia and Abkhazia signed an agreement on joint border protection, and by the end of that year, Russian border patrol vessels, operated by the Border Division of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation, were stationed in the port to oversee maritime security in occupied Abkhazia.
Strategically positioned, the port of Ochamchire is situated 38 kilometers from the occupation line and 41 kilometers from Anaklia.
Statements from the De Facto Government
Statements about the Russian naval base in Ochamchire have been primarily voiced by Sergey Shamba (who has served as the de facto Secretary of the Security Council since 2020 and the de facto Minister of Foreign Affairs since August 2024). On January 12, 2024, in an interview with RIA Novosti, Shamba stated that a permanent Russian naval base in Ochamchire could be launched by the end of 2024. He confirmed that design work was already underway, but noted that it was difficult to provide an exact timeline or details regarding what the base would include. He claimed the site would serve as a naval base, in line with agreements between Russia and Abkhazia.
Shamba then gave an interview to Russian news outlet TASS on August 8, 2024, where he offered a different perspective and denied the existence of plans to establish a full Russian naval base in Ochamchire. Shamba claimed that only border patrol boats are currently stationed at the port, and emphasized that the de facto government was prepared for all scenarios. He also remarked on the growing tension in the Black Sea region, citing increased activity by NATO naval ships and reconnaissance aircraft. This, he said, was raising concerns among members the de facto government.
Infrastructural Development
Recently, Western media have been periodically reporting on the construction of new infrastructure at the port of Ochamchire. At this stage, it is difficult to say to what extent the new infrastructure is related to the construction of a new permanent naval base, however some work was observed on the port territory in 2024.
According to the BBC, since the start of Russia's full-scale military operation in Ukraine, a number of changes have been made to the port of Ochamchire, a fact also noticeable on satellite images, according to which three new infrastructure facilities had been added to the port by 2023.
The Port of Ochamchire in Satellite Images from 2021 and 2023. Source: BBC
On July 10, 2024, the online publication Naval News, which specializes in maritime defense issues, reported that a Russian warship (a Project 22870 vessel) had docked in the port of Ochamchire. Satellite images revealed that the warship was first seen in the port of Novorossiysk on June 28, and later in Ochamchire between July 4 and 5. This marked the first time a Russian warship of this type had been spotted in the port. The ship is generally classified as a tug-and-rescue vessel, but is frequently repurposed for military purposes, including escorting landing ships and transporting missile systems during active conflicts. Notably, a similar vessel (SB-739), which was carrying anti-aircraft missiles, was sunk by Ukrainian forces near Zmeyn Island on June 17, 2022.
The Ship's Location, according to a Satellite Photo
On July 30, 2024, the online investigative outlet Bellingcat published an article highlighting ongoing construction activities in the port of Ochamchire. While official sources have not disclosed any information about these works, satellite imagery analysis from 2024 reveals that new structures have been built on the grounds of the port, and there is visible expansion of the perimeter. Although it is currently unclear whether these developments are specifically linked to the construction of a naval base, the rapid pace of construction in the early part of the year cannot be ignored.
Satellite Map Showing the Ongoing Works. Source: Bellingcat
Why Is This Event Important?
The prospect of a Russian military base in Ochamchire is significant, especially in the context of Russia's ongoing military aggression in Ukraine. It is reported that parts of the Russian Fleet have been transferred to the ports of Novorossiysk and Feodosia (in Crimea). Given that these ports are now increasingly vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes, Russia may see Ochamchire as a new, safer location for the Black Sea Fleet. While the current infrastructure cannot yet accommodate large vessels, it is still capable of supporting smaller-scale naval operations. The delay in the completion of the naval base in Ochamchire, along with ongoing uncertainty surrounding the project, could signal a shift in Moscow's approach. It is possible that Russia, recognizing the vulnerability of the port to potential Ukrainian attacks, may reconsider its investment in large-scale construction in the area. This evolving situation suggests that Moscow may be recalibrating its priorities regarding the future of the port and its military-naval operations in the Black Sea.
Excerpt from Rondeli Foundation publication.