Romanian media: Cargo transportation along Trans-Caspian corridor grows 30 percent, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan expand their fleets

Bucharest, October 23, AZERTACIn the first nine months of 2026, cargo transportation volume along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) recorded a 30 percent growth, while container transportation from China westward increased by 64 percent. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are investing in expanding their merchant fleets and modernizing port infrastructure in the Caspian Sea to meet the growing demand. The article, posted in the Romanian publication "Financial Intelligence", highlighted the growing importance of the Middle Corridor, stretching through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye to Europe, in the international cargo transportation system.

The article mentioned that according to the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, cargo volume along the corridor grew from 800,000 tons to 4. 5 million tons over the past five years. Although transportation totaled 4. 1 million tons in 2025, a new growth trend is being observed this year. The Romanian publication particularly emphasized the crucial role of Azerbaijan's shipbuilding industry in the development of the corridor. The article also drew attention to the operational capabilities of the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), noting that its merchant fleet comprises 56 vessels, including 23 tankers, 13 ferries, 16 dry cargo vessels, two Ro-Ro, and two Ro-Pax vessels. The publication also noted that the agreement signed between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan on the development of the…