Trans-Caspian Transport Route Cargo Volumes Grow Fivefold in Seven Years
Cargo transportation along the Trans‑Caspian International Transport Route has increased fivefold over the past seven years, rising from 0.8 million tons to 4.5 million tons annually, reinforcing its role as a key link in global logistics, according to the Kazakh Ministry of Transport on March 10.
Annual cargo volumes have shown steady growth, reaching 2.76 million tons in 2023, 4.48 million tons in 2024, and 4.12 million tons in 2025. Container transport has expanded particularly rapidly, with around 77,000 TEU transported along the corridor in 2025. The route’s target is to increase this volume to 300,000 TEU by 2029.
Today, the corridor functions as a multimodal transport artery linking China, Kazakhstan, the Caucasus region, Türkiye, and European markets. Growth in cargo volumes has been driven by both infrastructure expansion and strengthened strategic cooperation among participating countries and transport operators.
Key factors include improved conditions for international transit, including simplified customs procedures, and the route’s increased competitiveness, with transit times reduced from 28–32 days to 13–17 days. Demand has also risen for single-window logistics services, which provide greater transparency and reliability for international freight operations.
Efforts to further develop the corridor continue under joint roadmaps adopted by Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia in Aktau in 2022 and Almaty in 2025, aimed at eliminating bottlenecks along the route.
Significant infrastructure projects support the corridor’s expansion. Dredging has been completed at the Port of Kuryk, with similar works planned at the Port of Aktau. Construction of the Sarzha multifunctional terminal at Kuryk, a joint project with Abu Dhabi Ports Group, is underway, with a projected capacity of five million tons. A container hub has been completed at the Port of Aktau, the lifting and transition bridge at berth No. 1 of Kuryk has been modernized, and a Kazakhstan-owned terminal with a 120,000 TEU capacity has been launched at the Port of Poti in Georgia. The European Union has allocated a grant for reconstruction of berths No. 3 and No. 12 at the Port of Aktau, to fund cargo-handling equipment including wind-resistant ship-to-shore cranes for reliable operations under adverse weather conditions. Maritime capacity is being further expanded with two container vessels ordered at Baku Shipyard, expected for delivery in 2027, alongside six multipurpose dry cargo vessels planned for the same year.
Railway infrastructure is also undergoing modernization across over 2,000 kilometers of track. In 2025, 911 kilometers were upgraded, including second tracks on the Dostyk–Moiynty section (836 km) and the Almaty railway bypass line (75 km), forming part of the Trans-Caspian corridor.
The Trans-Caspian route has established itself as a vital component of the global logistics network. Participating countries continue to collaborate to enhance the corridor’s capacity, improve its appeal for international shippers, and strengthen its institutional framework.
Photo credit: inbusiness.kz
