Azerbaijan’s Middle Corridor link creates supply chain flexibility

The war in Ukraine has led European transporters to seek alternative East-West trade routes that avoid crossing Russian territory. The so-called Middle Corridor, based on ancient trade routes and crossing the Caspian Sea, has seen a dramatic jump in demand.

The renewed importance of Azerbaijan’s strategic location on the western aspect of the Caspian Sea is highlighted by the latest transport data as the Port of Baku capitalises on new Eurasian traffic seeking to avoid Russia. Between 2021 and 2022, when the war in Ukraine began, data for Azerbaijani transport shows demand for both container seaport and rail transport increased greatly.

Estonia witnessed a transfer from rail transport to seaport traffic, while Georgia’s Middle Corridor position increased seaport demand.

The data confirm a contrary scenario for Moldovan rail transport, which plummets following the outbreak of war.

Transport flexibility following shock of war shows Middle Corridor demand jumping

Container seaport growth rate, 2021–22 (gross tonnage)

Baku’s strategic position

Baku’s position is now at a critical point in the EU’s eastern supply. Goods are shipped by sea from Bulgaria and Romania to ports in Georgia and Türkiye, then loaded onto rail and directed to Baku. From there, they are distributed further to Central Asia, China, India, the Middle East and South Asia through various routes, offering a faster and less expensive alternative to the Suez Canal route.

Efforts are underway to enhance the infrastructure at the Baku International Sea Trade Port, Az?rbaycan D?mir Yollar? - ADY / Azerbaijan Railways , and Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company – ASCO (ASCO). These include the development of a more sustainable and efficient freight transport route.

Linking Türkiye and Central Asia

Azerbaijan handles around 20% of road transport between Türkiye and Central Asian countries. This is set to increase with plans to establish a TIR park at Baku Port, along with container facilities and terminals for bulk cargo and mineral fertilizer handling.

Rail freight demand in Moldova plummets following outbreak of war Container rail growth rate, 2021–22 (gross tonnage)

Switching East-West transport routes follow Caspian Sea Middle Corridor to avoid Russian territory

The Middle Corridor among trade corridors connecting Asia with Europe

Read "Transport connectivity and trends compared across the globe", the latest ITF Statistics Brief ?? https://www.itf-oecd.org/transport-connectivity-trends-compared